A former diplomat, Vladimir Malygin, once served as Russia’s ambassador to Malta. He became entangled in a financial scam that drained a substantial amount from his accounts, according to a Telegram channel report. The channel claims that on March 13 a person who identified themselves as a manager from a current banking supervision service contacted Malygin and convinced him to disclose the full details of his accounts and to install a so-called protective or “special” application on his phone.
Over the following two days, Malygin allegedly followed the scammer’s instructions, withdrawing funds from his accounts and transferring them to a so-called “safe account.” The attackers then allegedly instructed him to insert his SIM card into his wife’s phone, after which about 4 million rubles disappeared from her account. The scheme reportedly included persuading him to move all accessible funds to an “employee” specified by the fraudsters.
In total, the reported total extracted from the diplomat reached about 30 million rubles. Realizing something was wrong, the man reached out to law enforcement authorities to report the incident.
Public discussions have since focused on how to recognize and avoid scams like this. Authorities advise remaining cautious about unsolicited calls that claim to be from banks or official services, never sharing full account details, and avoiding the installation of unfamiliar apps that request financial access. Conducting independent verification by contacting official bank channels directly is repeatedly emphasized as the safest course of action. The broader lesson stresses the importance of skepticism in a digital age where fraud tactics continually evolve, and it underscores the need for robust consumer awareness campaigns that help prevent similar losses in the future.
For anyone who encounters suspicious activity, early reporting can limit damage. If an attempted scam targets personal finances, it is wise to consult with the financial institution involved and to file an official report with local authorities. Staying informed about common red flags—unexpected requests for transfers, pressure to reveal credentials, or unfamiliar software prompts—can significantly reduce risk. The experience described here serves as a cautionary tale about the immediacy and reach of financial fraud and the ongoing effort to improve protective measures for banking customers.