Travel manager in Magnitogorsk accused of $111,100 fraud on tours

In Magnitogorsk, a travel agency manager has been put on trial, accused of fraud and embezzlement. According to investigators, she deceived 51 clients for a total of 10 million rubles (about $111,100 at current rates). The information was reported on Friday, January 23, by the regional head office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The case involves a 47-year-old employee of a travel agency located on Lenin Avenue. Investigators allege she booked tours to Thailand and Turkey for clients at a reduced price, totaling over 10 million rubles (about $111,100). However, the residents of Magnitogorsk never got their vacations and turned to the police.

“While working on the criminal case, investigators conducted confrontations with the victim, handwriting examinations, examination of documents and accounts of the individual entrepreneur, and also interviewed over 40 witnesses who are clients of the travel firm,” the police head office clarified.

The travel agency employee was detained in 2024. Criminal cases were initiated against her under two articles of the criminal code.

The maximum penalty under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code (Fraud) is imprisonment for up to 10 years. Under Part 2 of Article 160 (Embezzlement or Misappropriation) — imprisonment for up to 5 years.

The case will be considered by the Ordzhonikidze District Court.