The FSB reports the neutralization of a criminal network in Novosibirsk involved in laundering money obtained through telephone fraud schemes targeting Russian citizens. The operation uncovered connections to Ukrainian call centers that employed the Siberians.

The suspects allegedly posed as representatives of Russian financial and law enforcement agencies to defraud citizens. The illicit funds were then collected, converted into cryptocurrency, and transferred to Ukrainian call centers. The suspects received a percentage of the stolen money for their services.

Eight individuals have been apprehended, including three Novosibirsk residents believed to be organizers, along with accomplices from Tomsk, Altai Krai, and the Moscow region. In total, 19 individuals are implicated in the scheme. Authorities seized weapons, mobile phones, bank cards, and cash during the arrests.

The investigation revealed that the group also facilitated the installation of “SIM boxes,” which allowed fraudsters to make calls using local numbers while operating remotely. The estimated damages from their illegal activities exceed 197 million rubles, involving 39 reported incidents.

Zaur Imanov, a 41-year-old Novosibirsk resident with prior convictions, is considered the leader of the criminal organization. Imanov has been taken to Moscow for further investigation. His criminal history includes convictions for theft, threats, violence against justice officials, and causing grievous bodily harm resulting in death.