Rosfinmonitoring Highlights Risks in Using Residential Certificates for Cash Value Extraction
Rosfinmonitoring has drawn attention to the potential misuse of residential certificates, pointing out that some people use this form of support not to purchase real estate but to extract monetary value. The concern was raised after reports indicated that the certificates could be leveraged as a cover for money movement rather than for legitimate housing acquisitions. This warning is documented in the service’s information letter, which provides a clear signal to industry participants about observed patterns of suspicious activity.
According to the publication, the information letter outlines several red flags associated with this scheme. Among the examples cited are rapid purchases of real estate followed by swift resale, acquisitions of housing at prices significantly lower than the value stated on the certificate, and a buyer who shows little interest in the actual location of the property. These indicators collectively point to a deliberate attempt to disguise financial transactions as ordinary real estate deals, raising concerns about the integrity of the market and the safety of participants involved in such transactions.
Industry observers note that the warnings trace back to experiences reported by real estate agents toward the end of 2022 and into the early months of 2023. Agents involved in property dealings shared their observations with Rosfinmonitoring, which then consolidated the information. After reviewing the input, Rosfinmonitoring prepared an informational update aimed at individual entrepreneurs and corporate entities acting as intermediaries in real estate transactions. The goal was to alert professionals to the behavior patterns that signal possible misuse and to advise on how to mitigate risk in ongoing deals.
The service emphasizes that the described scheme, while notable, is not described as systemic at this time. In its assessment, Rosfinmonitoring cautions market participants to remain vigilant, conduct rigorous due diligence, and report any suspicious activity promptly. The information letter serves as a practical guide for those involved in intermediary roles, reinforcing the need for transparency and compliance with financial regulations. It stands as a reminder that even seemingly legitimate real estate activities can be exploited to mask illicit financial flows, and that timely reporting helps protect both buyers and sellers in the marketplace.