Up to 6 years for drug dropper: law comes into force
Today, a law criminalizing droppers came into effect in Russia, threatening them with up to six years in prison. Previously, they had not been held accountable. However, people often become droppers without even realizing they are being used by scammers.
Droppers are those whose accounts process illegally obtained funds (for example, stolen from victims of fraud). Their job is to accept the money, cash it out, or transfer it further down the chain to cover their tracks.
The law is expected to “limit criminals’ ability to cash out stolen money” and “allow for more effective protection of citizens and their funds.” said Speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin.
"Anyone who hands over their card for the purpose of transferring funds at the request of fraudsters will be held accountable," Volodin promised.
CB appreciated The number of droppers is estimated at 700. Approximately 80 Russians and foreigners are drawn into the schemes monthly. These are typically young people under 23 from regions where incomes are lower and cards for shadow processing are cheaper, the Central Bank noted.
However, many don't even realize they're becoming droppers. Fraudsters actively use various schemes to lure people into these processes. For example, an "erroneous" transfer to a card, where the money is then asked to be "returned" to another account. Or through fake job postings with very attractive terms and advertisements for "easy money." Job seekers may be asked to accept money onto their card and transfer it further, keeping a percentage for themselves, or to obtain a new bank card for the "salary" and provide its details to the "employer."
It is assumed that a bank client caught for the first time in the act of drop-shopping is exempt from criminal liability if he or she agrees to actively cooperate with the investigation.