Eight medical workers in Primorye will face trial for allegedly selling 13 newborns abroad between 2018 and 2020.

The investigation revealed that the group of doctors falsified medical records, providing false information about the infertility of buyers and genetic parents. These actions involved assisted reproductive technologies, which were fraudulently presented as infertility treatments. The doctors reportedly sold the 13 newborns for over 53 million rubles.

In other news, a bill has been introduced in the State Duma that could exempt certain migrants from mandatory Russian language, history, and law exams. This exemption would apply to migrants entering Russia under a government quota. In 2024, this quota included 155,929 permits.

The State Duma is also considering a proposal to establish children’s savings accounts, funded with an initial 100,000 ruble contribution from the federal budget for each newborn. The aim is to provide children with a financial foundation upon reaching adulthood. The funds, including accrued interest, would become accessible once the child reaches adulthood, offering a financial safety net.

Meanwhile, scammers have devised a new method to compromise “Gosuslugi” accounts by tricking users into calling them. Victims receive deceptive messages, designed to appear as official technical support alerts, claiming their account has been hacked, leading the individuals to call the fake number provided and fall into the scammers’ trap.

Adding to concerns, excess weight among Russians is reportedly harming the economy. According to State Duma deputy Irina Filatova, approximately 60% of the population is overweight, impacting quality of life, life expectancy, and reproductive abilities, contributing to high mortality rates related to diabetes and other weight-related illnesses. The rise in obesity is directly linked to an increase in diabetes cases.