In Irkutsk, police detained an interregional group suspected of a series of thefts of money from Russians bank cards using a viral SMS mailing. 10 criminal cases have already been opened, and during the search more than 100 SIM cards, over 60 plastic cards and digital equipment were seized. Investigators are determining the number of victims and the total damage, which, according to preliminary data, may be much greater than the known cases.
In Irkutsk, police detained an interregional group suspected of a series of thefts from Russians’ bank cards. Three men used a malicious SMS campaign to steal money from citizens’ bank cards.Ten criminal cases have been opened in this case under Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (theft). This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Irkutsk Region.
The fraudsters connected to citizens’ mobile phones, after which they gained access to their bank cards and transferred the money to their own accounts.
"In the rented apartment where the suspects, who had arrived in Irkutsk from the Trans-Baikal Territory, had settled the day before, detectives seized more than 100 SIM cards from various mobile operators, more than 60 plastic cards, and digital equipment, presumably used to commit the crimes," the press service reports.
According to preliminary information, the criminals carried out their "operations" against several dozen residents of Russia, many of whom may not have contacted law enforcement.
At present, police officers are determining the number of victims, the amount of damage, and the indirect episodes of the detained group’s criminal activity.