Russian Authorities Bust 100M-Ruble Crypto Laundering Ring
Four individuals in Surgut face detention for orchestrating a sophisticated money laundering operation using cryptocurrency conversions. The group allegedly processed approximately 100 million rubles ($1.1 million) through compromised bank accounts before funneling funds into digital assets.
The scheme relied on 'droppers' - intermediaries who surrendered their bank cards for a fee. Three suspects remain in custody while another faces travel restrictions. Investigators uncovered a commission structure ranging from 3% to 15% for converting illicit funds into cryptocurrency and transferring them to unnamed 'curators'.
This case highlights Russia's ongoing struggle with crypto-enabled financial crimes as authorities intensify scrutiny of digital asset transactions. The use of purchased bank accounts demonstrates evolving money laundering tactics in the region's shadow economy.
