A Moscow court convicted Natalia El, an internet psychologist who had drawn attention online. The verdict followed a series of fraud accusations that authorities linked to sixteen separate criminal cases. The woman was found guilty and sentenced to eight and a half years in a general regime penal colony. The decision, delivered by a district court in Moscow, marks the culmination of a protracted legal process that included extensive scrutiny of her public persona and alleged professional credentials.
According to reports from RIA Novosti, a news agency with ties to the district prosecutor’s office, El presented herself publicly as a successful psychologist with influential connections within state institutions. She also operated an informational channel on YouTube where she shared expert commentary, yet observers noted that she did not possess the formal training typically associated with licensed professionals in the field. These details were cited in the coverage surrounding her activities and the subsequent charges, highlighting a pattern of presenting herself in ways that suggested greater legitimacy than her qualifications would ordinarily support.
The authorities stated that El offered assistance in acquiring an apartment at a discounted price. After a man provided a deposit, prosecutors allege that the funds were misappropriated, contributing to the broader fraud allegations that formed the basis of the charges. The case underscores concerns about individuals leveraging online visibility to gain trust and financial advantage from unsuspecting buyers, a theme that has appeared in multiple high-profile investigations across the region.
Separately, the case file referenced an additional figure described as a former colonel from Balashikha who faced accusations related to deceiving the FSB and misappropriating 111 million rubles. The inclusion of this element in the reporting reflects the broader narrative of fraud and corruption that Russian authorities have pursued in recent years, illustrating how individuals connected to official channels or security services can become involved in complex financial schemes.
Overall, the proceedings illustrate how online personas tied to professional claims can be implicated in criminal activity, and how state media and official channels interact in presenting a defendant’s background, charges, and outcomes. The outcome serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in professional qualifications and the need for due diligence when engaging in real estate transactions or other high-stakes deals, especially in contexts where public profiles may be used to influence trust and decision-making.