In 2024, 77% of Russian Pyramids Accepted Cryptocurrency Contributions

Throughout 2024, the Central Bank of Russia identified 5510 entities with characteristics of financial pyramids, 77% of which accepted contributions in cryptocurrencies (in 2023, this figure was 50%). 

According to the regulator, pseudo-investment offers “with guaranteed income” are also spreading offline. 

Nearly 20% of projects with signs of financial pyramids had more than two online resources. Telegram channels are particularly used actively to attract clients. 

Additionally, over the past year, the regulator tracked 1936 entities with signs of illegal professional securities market participants — 2.2 times more than the previous year.

“Illegal forex dealers offer clients to top up accounts in cryptocurrencies and purchase shares. For this, they recommend supposedly verified sellers [of digital assets] or guarantee the possibility of conducting transactions through foreign payment services,” the Central Bank reported.

Fraudsters continue to use the pretense of having company licenses, guarantee profitable securities purchases, and offer trading with huge leverage.

Potential clients are attracted through social networks and personal consultations in Telegram channels. The practice of cold calling has also resumed. 

Earlier, the Central Bank reported an increase in the number of pyramids in Russia disguised as clicker games.

Since July 25, 2024, a new mechanism for returning funds stolen by fraudsters has been in effect in Russian banks. It is capable of significantly complicating P2P operations for cryptocurrency exchange.