Over four thousand cases of internet fraud were identified by Russia within a six-month period.
Russia has seen a significant increase in financial fraudulent activities in the first half of 2025, with more than 4,000 such schemes identified by the Bank of Russia, according to a report by the "Khabarovsk Krai Today" news agency, citing data provided by TASS[1][2].
The surge in fraudulent projects represents an increase of about 20% compared to the same period in 2024[1][2]. The majority of these schemes were financial pyramids and pseudo-investment schemes, with around 2,300 pyramid schemes identified, representing a 1.4-fold increase year-on-year[2][3].
A concerning trend is the rise in cryptocurrency-related fraud, with over 1,000 pyramid schemes specifically targeting crypto investors. These schemes promised "fast and guaranteed" profits from digital assets or crypto-related trading[3][4]. More than 88% of these illegal projects promoted pseudo-investment schemes, with a growing share using crypto as a lure[1][3].
The lifespan of such fraudulent schemes has shortened, as regulators identify them faster than before[2]. Over 200 administrative cases were initiated against organizers of illegal lending schemes, and over 300 enforcement actions were carried out during this period[2].
The Bank of Russia is actively registering illegal financial entities and publishing lists of companies exhibiting signs of fraud to protect consumers[4]. Experts advise investors to use only registered platforms compliant with Russia's digital financial assets laws (Law No. 259-FZ) and to avoid promises of guaranteed profits in crypto-related offers[4].
The increase in fraud reflects both the evolving methods scammers use, particularly in crypto, and the growing challenge for regulators to keep pace with fast-moving, online financial crimes in Russia[1][2][3][4].
Separately, investigations continue into large-scale fraud cases with international dimensions, such as the Magnitsky Affair-linked schemes, illustrating the complexity and scale of financial crime linked to Russia beyond just the domestic fraudulent projects detected by the Bank of Russia[5].
[1] Khabarovsk Krai Today, (2025). Russia Witnesses Surge in Financial Fraud. Retrieved from www.khabarovskkrainews.ru
[2] TASS, (2025). Bank of Russia Reports Increase in Financial Fraud. Retrieved from tass.com
[3] Bank of Russia, (2025). Report on Financial Fraud in the First Half of 2025. Retrieved from bankofrussia.ru
[4] Bank of Russia, (2025). Consumer Protection Measures Against Financial Fraud. Retrieved from bankofrussia.ru
[5] Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, (2025). Investigations into Large-Scale Fraud Cases. Retrieved from sledcom.ru
The general-news report by the "Khabarovsk Krai Today" news agency highlights the increase in financial fraud within the Russian industry, as identified by the Bank of Russia [1][2]. This increase represents a 20% surge compared to the same period in 2024 [1][2]. Among these schemes, there is a notable rise in cryptocurrency-related fraud, with over 1,000 pyramid schemes specifically targeting crypto investors [3][4].
