In the first quarter of this year, the Central Bank of Russia (CBRF) detected 1,787 illegal activities; this figure marks a 54% increase over the previous year. This data was reported by TASS and reflected in the regulator’s official communications. The quarterly tally shows a broadening range of unlawful schemes, with online operations playing a pivotal role in the surge. The regulator notes that the overall number of identified illegal entities rose by up to 15% compared with the preceding quarter, signaling a spike but within a tempered growth band.
According to the regulator’s press service, the breakdown reveals 728 cases connected to financial pyramid schemes, including internet-based projects, limited liability companies, and individual entrepreneurs. An additional 746 cases involve illegal lending activities, while 298 cases concern unauthorized participants in the securities market. This classification underscores the diversified nature of financial infractions and the varying channels through which illicit activity can manifest within the country’s financial ecosystem.
The Central Bank emphasized that the main driver behind the uptick in detected illegal organizations is the expansion of operations into the online space. Digital platforms have lowered entry barriers, enabling fraudsters to reach a wider audience with relative ease, which the regulator says has contributed to a higher frequency of identified offenses during the quarter.
Nevertheless, the regulator stresses that the increase in the number of illegal organizations detected compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 does not exceed 15%, suggesting a bounded growth trajectory rather than an explosive surge. The balance indicates ongoing vigilance rather than a sudden systemic shift in illicit activity levels.
In comparative terms, the Central Bank reported notable year-on-year changes: the number of detected illegal lenders rose by 34%, illegal participants in the securities market grew by 37%, and financial pyramids saw a 37% increase since the end of last year. Despite these gains, some areas remained nearly constant, reflecting a mixed pattern across different forms of financial wrongdoing.
All information on detected illegal financial-market cases is forwarded to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and regional prosecutor’s offices for appropriate action. Measures include blocking of websites, pages, and social media accounts as well as messaging channels that facilitate these activities. The process demonstrates a coordinated response aimed at disrupting the infrastructure underlying illicit operations and protecting market integrity.
Earlier, experts highlighted the most common fraud types observed during holiday periods, noting that increased online activity and relaxed oversight windows can heighten risk. The ongoing collaboration among regulatory bodies and law enforcement remains central to identifying and mitigating these schemes as digital commerce continues to evolve.