Executive Summary:
A recent investigation by Mediazona reveals a disturbing trend in Russia where phone scammers have escalated their tactics amidst the war in Ukraine. These scammers are not only convincing victims to transfer their money but also to commit acts of vandalism, such as setting fire to military enlistment offices and sabotaging election infrastructure. Shockingly, law enforcement is often penalizing the victims of these scams rather than the perpetrators, with many facing severe charges under terrorism laws. The investigation details the impact of these fraudulent activities and the subsequent legal repercussions faced by the victims.
Key Points:
- Phone scammers have shifted from financial theft to inciting vandalism and sabotage, particularly linked to military and electoral targets.
- Victims are often charged with terrorism-related offenses for actions influenced by these scams.
- Mediazona compiled cases and examined court decisions related to these incidents, highlighting the legal consequences faced by misled individuals rather than the scammers themselves.
References:
- Article by Mediazona documenting the investigation of phone scams leading to criminal charges against victims in Russia.
- Mention of specific acts encouraged by scammers (e.g., setting fire to military enlistment offices, tampering with ballot boxes).
Not Enough Information to Summarize.
12ft.io Link: https://12ft.io/https://en.zona.media/article/2025/01/16/scam_arsons
Archive.org Link: In Russia, phone scammers talk people into setting military enlisments offices on fire, and victims are being punished instead of organisers. A Mediazona investigation
Original Link: https://en.zona.media/article/2025/01/16/scam_arsons
for more on see the post on bypassing methods