The senior managing partner of the law firm PG Partners, Petr Gusyatnikov, explained to the agency that banks have a duty to report certain transactions to tax authorities. He emphasized that banks act independently when identifying and reporting notable movements in a customer’s account.
According to Gusyatnikov, the first and most obvious cases involve large, one-off transfers, typically around 600 thousand rubles. Such transactions are flagged and reported to the Federal Tax Service (FTS) as part of routine monitoring, even if the money is moved between different accounts within the same or a different bank.
He stressed that reporting can extend to various types of transfers, including real estate purchases valued above three million rubles. In these situations, banks may automatically notify tax authorities as part of compliance checks and anti-fraud measures.
Another trigger for reporting involves funds being returned from a mobile operator’s account. If more than 100 thousand rubles are reversed or refunded in this way, banks may alert the tax office, given that such transactions are sometimes exploited in fraud schemes.
Gusyatnikov noted that banks are empowered to report any customer activity that appears suspicious. In particular, a high frequency of transactions can raise red flags. For instance, more than 30 transfers or withdrawals in a single day, or sums exceeding 100 thousand rubles being moved in one go, can prompt closer scrutiny by financial institutions and tax authorities.
He also pointed out that banks pay attention to accounts where everyday household transactions—such as store purchases, fines, and housing and communal services payments—are not being processed. A lack of routine activity can itself raise questions about the sources and destinations of funds.
Transfers involving foreign citizens or foreign accounts are another area that attracts heightened attention. Such movements may be scrutinized more intensely as part of ongoing efforts to monitor cross-border financial activity for regulatory and security purposes, according to the expert’s assessment.
Andrey Lisov, a former member of the Russian Lawyers Union, cautioned that an unexpected money transfer to a card from an unknown sender could indicate a fraud scheme. His warning underscores the importance of vigilance when unfamiliar funds appear in a personal account and highlights the potential risks of accepting transfers from unfamiliar sources.
There have been recent statements from various legal and enforcement circles about the evolving landscape of financial reporting, with emphasis on the balance between legitimate business operations and the prevention of illicit activity. This ongoing dialogue reflects a broader push to enhance transparency and accountability in financial transactions while safeguarding consumers from fraud and misrepresentation. The practical takeaway for account holders is to monitor their activity, verify unknown transfers promptly, and maintain clear records to demonstrate the legitimate origin of funds in everyday banking operations. In this environment, banks, tax authorities, and law firms alike encourage proactive disclosure when uncertainties arise, fostering a cooperative approach to financial compliance and consumer protection.