The Federal Security Service and Ministry of Internal Affairs have detained more than 20 illegal cryptocurrency exchange workers in Moscow. Suspects are accused of helping Ukrainian call centers transfer money stolen from Russian citizens abroad, Russian news agency TASS reported on August 7.
Security forces carried out the arrests inside the Moscow-City business center. Authorities stated that the operation dismantled nine foreign-coordinated channels that relied on digital assets to move illicit proceeds overseas.
Investigators launched a criminal case under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, which addresses fraud committed on a particularly large scale. Officers also detained accomplices aged 18 to 25 who acted as couriers for the scam network.
According to the Public Relations Center of the Federal Security Service, the couriers collected cash directly from victimized Russians who were operating under the influence of fraudsters. Couriers brought the money to exchange points, where staff converted the funds into cryptocurrency and transferred them to Ukrainian handlers.
Senior citizens were among those targeted by the fraudulent schemes. Staff at the illegal exchange points converted victims' money into cryptocurrency and sent the digital assets to accounts managed by foreign coordinators.
Operations in Moscow financial hub
The arrests took place within the Moscow-City financial district, officially named the Moscow International Business Center. Located along the Presnenskaya Embankment, the complex features modern high-rise towers that host corporate headquarters, trading platforms, and financial service firms.
Both the cryptocurrency exchange employees and the field couriers face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Law enforcement officials noted that the courier network was vital in bridging physical cash handoffs with digital asset transfers.
Investigation and victim recovery
Russian law enforcement officers are currently searching for victims of the crypto scam to establish all circumstances of the crimes and determine possible compensation for financial losses.
The Federal Security Service acts as the main domestic intelligence and security organization in Russia, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs directs the national police force. Joint operations between the security agencies routinely target illegal financial operations, financial fraud, and cybercrime networks.
