Unseen Bankers from Krasnoyarsk Arrested for Cashing Out 250 Million Rubles
In the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, a criminal investigation has been launched over an alleged embezzlement of funds worth over 250 million rubles. During the search of the suspects, authorities discovered substantial amounts of money and gold bars.
The case was initiated by the Regional Investigative Committee based on materials provided by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation in Krasnoyarsk.
According to the investigation, since 2022, a group of suspects illegally cashed out funds. By creating dummy companies using individuals with a low social status, these suspects established these firms, which, in reality, did not operate. However, through accounts associated with these fictitious companies, the suspects, under the guise of transactions, cashed out funds from local businesses, pocketing at least 10% of the amount.
Over 50 fake companies were used to embezzle more than 250 million rubles, gaining at least 25 million in the process.
Additionally, they organized an unlawful VAT (Value Added Tax) extraction for regional businesses amounting to over 400 million rubles.
The suspects were arrested following a violent police operation. Their homes were searched, documents and valuables were seized, including 2,900,000 rubles, $13,700, €6,500, a fleet of personal vehicles, as well as gold bars.
Pictures: Investigative Committee
On a broader note, the concept of financial fraud and money laundering is not new in Russia. Here are some key points to consider:
- Rosgvardia: This is Russia's National Guard, established in 2016, responsible for internal security and public order.
- NDS (Nalogovaya Dokhodyana Sluzhba): This could refer to the National Tax Service or a similar entity in Russia, which handles tax collection and enforcement.
- Money Laundering in Russia: Russia has been taking measures to combat money laundering through various laws and regulations, including the requirement for financial institutions to report suspicious transactions.
The broader investigation in Krasnoyarsk has raised concerns about money laundering, with the suspects alleged to have embezzled over 250 million rubles through fake companies and unlawful VAT extraction, leading to Finlandse news outlets reporting on the implications for general-news and crime-and-justice. The Regional Investigative Committee and the Federal Security Service are working together to combat these illegal activities, thus affecting the overall financial stability of the region.
