In Dagestan, authorities report that a district court in Makhachkala has placed four individuals in custody amid investigations into the alleged theft of natural gas valued at more than 150 million rubles. The press office of the Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia confirms the preliminary arrest and ongoing inquiry into the case. The Sovetsky District Court in Makhachkala approved detention for two months to protect the investigation, safeguard evidence, and prevent interference from potential accomplices. This action forms part of a larger, multi-party operation that involves gas suppliers and greenhouse operators alike.
According to the investigation, officials from Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Makhachkala conspired with local greenhouse operators to siphon over 22,000 cubic meters of natural gas. The financial loss is assessed at more than 150 million rubles, and investigators have labeled the case a fraud of especially large scope. This designation reflects the extensive networks at play and the involvement of multiple links across the supply chain, from energy providers to farming enterprises.
The case is presented as an example of how criminal networks may exploit energy resources by aligning the interests of utility providers with agricultural operations. Investigators continue to determine each participant’s role and to trace the movement of stolen gas from distribution points to greenhouse sites. Court actions in these matters aim to uphold legal processes while securing allegedly taken assets and identifying any remaining accomplices.
In related developments, investigators in a neighboring region uncovered a separate fraud scheme targeting public funds and social security payments. Security services in Ingushetia exposed a group that operated across the Pension Fund and the Russian Post, including dozens of government employees and contractors. The operation allegedly manipulated pension records and cash-out procedures to divert funds for personal use, with damages estimated around two billion rubles over two years.
Preliminary findings indicate the perpetrators recalculated pensions for residents of the republic and then processed fraudulent withdrawals through post office channels. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pension security and the vulnerability of welfare programs to schemes that rely on internal access, administrative procedures, and institutional trust. Investigators emphasize that restoring proper pension distributions is a priority, with authorities reviewing personnel actions, access controls, and internal reporting mechanisms to prevent recurrence.
As investigations proceed, a broader regional pattern emerges, showing continued focus on energy theft and social security fraud as channels for illicit gains. Authorities stress the value of rapid reporting, strong auditing, and interagency cooperation to dismantle networks that blend employee collaboration with external actors. Residents and businesses are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity promptly, and cooperate with inquiries to protect critical resources and public funds. The combined cases illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by regional law enforcement in addressing resource-related crimes and fraud against social support systems.