Compensation of 1.2 million rubles recovered from black realtor

Igor Abolemov, convicted of pressuring homeowners, has fully paid compensation to his victims, bailiffs in St. Petersburg report.

Feb 1, 2026

The St. Petersburg prosecutor«s office was involved in the case against the convicted black realtor.
Source:
Prosecutor«s Office of St. Petersburg

Bailiffs in St. Petersburg have recovered more than 1.2 million rubles (approx. $13,500 at current rates) from Igor Abolemov, who was convicted of operating as a «black realtor.» This became known on January 22.

Since October of last year, 16 enforcement proceedings have been initiated against Abolemov. Compensation was awarded to 11 victims who were to receive money for material damages and moral harm.

Initially, the man evaded payment, but after restrictions were imposed on real estate and vehicle transactions, he repaid the debt. Currently, ten people have already received compensation, and the details for transferring funds to one more are awaited.

In January of last year, the Vasileostrovsky District Court sentenced Abolemov to 3.5 years in a penal colony. The investigation established that from 2018 to 2023, he bought up shares in so-called «problem» apartments in the city center.

He then pressured other owners, forcing them to sell their property at a reduced price. In case of refusal, threats, lock changes, and the moving in of anti-social individuals were used. According to the prosecutor«s office, at least 11 people suffered from such actions.