Sochi woman receives suspended sentence for aiding fraudsters

The Central District Court of Sochi has announced the verdict for Sochi resident Alana Margieva, who was found guilty of crimes under Part 4, Article 159, Part 3, Article 159, and Part 2, Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code (fraud).

In May 2024, the defendant agreed to open a bank card in her own name to transfer funds received on her account from unknown individuals to bank accounts of unidentified persons. She gave the card details to unknown individuals.

On 23 May 2024, Margieva«s card received 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,100 at current rates) from a person misled by scammers. She transferred the money to bank accounts of unidentified persons. On 27 May, the card received money again, this time two payments: 95,000 rubles (approximately $1,100) and 85,000 rubles (approximately $944), which she also transferred.

On 19 September, the defendant acted as a courier. She met with a victim who believed she was handing over her money to place it in a safe account, and gave Margieva 2,600,000 rubles (approximately $29,000). The defendant also transferred these funds to the specified accounts.

In court, the woman fully admitted her guilt, stating she was absolutely convinced she was communicating with employees of the Investigative Committee who had persuaded her of the need to assist them.

«Having considered the case materials, the court found the defendant guilty. Taking into account mitigating circumstances (full admission of guilt, voluntary surrender, active assistance in solving and investigating the crimes, compensation for the damage caused to the victims), the court concluded that the defendant can be reformed without actually serving the sentence, and sentenced her to 4 years of suspended imprisonment,» the united press service of the courts of the Krasnodar region reported. The verdict has not entered into force and can be appealed.