Saint Petersburg: underground banking inquiry involves almost 400 million roubles
On 29 October Russian police reported an investigation into two Saint Petersburg residents suspected of providing unlicensed banking services. Police say almost 400 million roubles passed through accounts of shell companies they controlled.
The suspects are aged 38 and 43. According to regional police, they opened and managed corporate accounts, processed customers’ payments, collected money and converted large sums into cash. One allegedly recruited business customers, while the other coordinated the financial flows.
Police say they charged at least 18 per cent commission on money entering the controlled company accounts. The almost 400 million roubles cited represents the turnover under investigation through those accounts.
A criminal investigation has been opened into illegal banking under Article 172(2) of the Russian Criminal Code. One suspect has been detained. The other is subject to a requirement not to leave his place of residence and to comply with conduct conditions.
