Moscow Court Denies Bail for Anton Paramonov Amid Fraud Allegations
The Moscow City Court has denied bail to Anton Paramonov, a man accused of defrauding aspiring contestants in Russian beauty pageants. Paramonov, who allegedly posed as a producer, promised participants entry into prestigious contests while demanding payment, only to disappear with their money.
Details of the Allegations
Paramonov was arrested on August 9, 2024, and has since been charged under multiple articles concerning fraud. During his interrogation, he reportedly admitted his guilt, leading the court to impose a preventive measure of detention until October 4, 2024. The court's decision was influenced by the serious nature of the charges, which could result in a prison sentence exceeding three years. The prosecution argued that Paramonov might continue his fraudulent activities or evade justice if released.
Victims Speak Out
Victims of Paramonov's alleged scam have come forward, sharing their experiences of how he lured them into his fraudulent schemes. One victim, Valeria Arbaeva, detailed her interaction with Paramonov after participating in the Miss Moscow 2023 contest. She described how he pressured her into paying for a spot in the Miss Asia contest, only to later retract his promises and fail to return her money. Another contestant, Marina Vanyushkina, echoed similar sentiments, stating that she had successfully collaborated with Paramonov before he abruptly cut ties. Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Paramonov could face significant prison time, potentially up to ten years.
