Russia’s government has proposed the introduction of criminal liability for bank drops

What’s new? The Russian government has prepared amendments to introduce criminal liability for bank drops. So, the registration and handover of their bank cards, digital cash wallets to fraudsters for a fee or under the influence of malefactors threatens imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to 1 million Russian rubles (RUB).

Material by Vedomosti

What else is known? The initiative involves amendments to Art. 187 of the Criminal Code “Illegal circulation of means of payment.” On April 28, the Government Legislative Commission will consider the amendments for their subsequent submission to the State Duma.

The authors of the initiative specify that the activity of bank drops makes it difficult to track criminal funds. A representative of the office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko specified that the amendments will create serious obstacles for fraudsters to withdraw stolen funds, and criminal liability will reduce the number of those willing to participate in criminal schemes for remuneration.

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Thus, the handover of a personal bank card to receive remuneration faces a fine of 100 000 to 300 000 RUB or in the amount of income from three months to a year, compulsory labor up to 480 hours, correctional work up to two years or restriction of freedom up to two years.

Suppose the participant in the scheme was not a bank customer but issued the card specifically to transfer it to fraudsters. In that case, the punishment is more severe: a fine of 300 000 to 1 million RUB, compulsory labor for up to four years, or imprisonment for up to six years with a possible fine of 10 000 to 500 000 RUB, or in the amount of income for a period of one to two years.

Those who use other people’s bank cards or e-wallets could face up to five years of compulsory labor and a possible fine of 300 000 to 1 million RUB, or imprisonment for up to six years, a possible similar fine and restriction of freedom for up to two years.

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In March, Central Bank governor Elvira Nabiullina allowed the possibility of introducing limits on the number of bank cards per person to combat bank drops.