The Skopinsky District Court in the Ryazan Region handed a one-year term of compulsory labor to a guide and psalm reader from the Dmitrievsky Monastery who was found guilty of fraud against a parishioner, according to the court’s press service. The court concluded that the man deceived a woman out of 550 thousand rubles by promising to deliver two cars from abroad for free.
During discussions with the victim, L. allegedly provided intentionally false information, asserting that a benefactor outside the Russian Federation was prepared to give him the two cars at no cost. This claim formed the basis of the alleged scheme, the press release indicated, and it painted a picture of a charitable windfall that could alleviate the victim’s financial burdens.
The church pastor was described as convincing the parishioner that these cars could be sold to resolve his monetary difficulties. At the same time, the defendant purportedly requested 550 thousand rubles to cover the costs of transporting the cars from abroad. After receiving the money, he purportedly allocated the funds for other purposes rather than for the stated transportation expenses.
Under the fraud article of the relevant law, the court imposed a sentence of one year of compulsory labor. A portion of the earnings—ten percent—was designated to remain with the state rather than going to the defendant, in accordance with the legal framework governing such penalties.
In a separate note, local residents recalled a prior incident involving a former Novosibirsk resident who had allegedly entered a building entrance with a Toyota vehicle and struck a woman who was approaching the door. This incident, while not part of the current fraud case, was referenced in local discussions about safety and accountability within the community.
The court’s ruling reflects a broader emphasis on integrity within religious communities and the responsibilities of their members to avoid exploiting trust placed in them by congregants. Court records indicate that the defendant will serve the prescribed term under the conditions set by the ruling, with the specified portion of wages directed to state needs as required by law. The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in financial dealings within faith communities and affirms the judiciary’s role in upholding consumer protection and anti-fraud measures across regional jurisdictions.
Observers note that this decision aligns with national efforts to curb fraudulent schemes that target vulnerable individuals and leverage religious authority for personal gain. The press service of the court emphasized that enforcement will continue to monitor compliance with the sentence, ensuring that the punishment serves both as a consequence for the offender and a deterrent for others who might consider similar schemes against parishioners or other members of the public.