In a conversation with Izvestia, Central Bank Deputy Governor German Zubarev described a so-called droplet database that reportedly holds tens of thousands of Russian accounts. This database tracks cases where remittances are attempted without the bank customer’s consent and records them for further review.
“We are talking about tens of thousands,” Zubarev stated.
He clarified that the figure should not be interpreted as proof that a legion of fraudsters is active across Russia. Instead, the deputy governor noted that a single scammer might operate multiple accounts to withdraw funds stolen from citizens. He added that when a victim reports a theft to their bank, the data on the suspicious or droppers account is likely to appear in the Central Bank’s database. This linkage helps investigators understand the pattern and connections involved in the incident.
According to Zubarev, the system currently records incorrect or erroneous entries only in a small minority of cases. When such mistakes occur, there is a built‑in mechanism to quickly extract and correct information from the database. He offered a concrete example: if a person buys goods at a market and later seeks to reverse the transaction, writing to the bank to reclaim funds, that action does not automatically tag the seller’s account as fraudulent. The bank must still verify the situation before making any designation of fault.
There was also a discussion about a prior initiative at the Central Bank that placed emphasis on the responsibility of credit institutions. The plan involved suspending access to bank cards and internet banking for accounts deemed suspicious or for those identified as having experienced a drop in funds. This approach reflects an effort to curb unauthorized activity early and to protect customers from potential financial losses. Izvestia interview with Central Bank officials, date not specified