Surge in ATM Arson Attacks in Moscow and Surrounding Areas
In a troubling trend, Moscow and its surrounding regions have witnessed over ten ATM arson attacks in a single day, all orchestrated by fraudsters, according to TASS. Law enforcement sources indicate that the perpetrators, many of whom are elderly individuals, were acting under the influence of telephone scammers. These incidents have raised significant concerns about the psychological manipulation employed by these fraudsters, particularly as the New Year holidays approach.
Psychological Manipulation by Scammers
Sberbank has reported a staggering 30% increase in attempts to set fire to administrative buildings and banks across Russia over the past week. Victims, often misled by scammers, are coerced into committing illegal acts, including attacks on bank offices, under the false promise of recovering lost funds. Scammers frequently fabricate scenarios where victims believe they are assisting law enforcement in apprehending criminals. Stanislav Kuznetsov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Sberbank, highlighted the severe psychological pressure exerted on these individuals, often manipulated by call centers operating from Ukraine.
Recent Incidents and Arrests
The situation escalated on December 21, when an explosion occurred at a Sberbank branch in St. Petersburg, although no injuries were reported. A 68-year-old pensioner was detained in connection with this incident. Additionally, a 70-year-old man confessed to setting fire to multiple ATMs after being persuaded by unknown perpetrators. In another case, a young woman in Krasnoyarsk suffered burns while attempting to ignite an ATM, further illustrating the dangers posed by these scams. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate these incidents, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding the tactics employed by fraudsters.
