Penza, 27 August 2018. PenzaNews. Workers of the main directorate of economic security and corruption control under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia together with Penza colleagues stopped activity of a criminal community whose organizers and participants are suspected of establishing a financial pyramid. This was said by official representative of the national Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk.

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She explained that according to the investigation the criminals had attracted funds of citizens under the pretext of paying high dividends – up to 60% per year – since 2012.

"It was promised to the investors that their savings would be used for highly profitable projects related to the real estate market. However, the organization was not engaged in any financial and economic activity and the payment of dividends was executed at the expense of receipts from new clients," the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Irina Volk specified that altogether there had been nine branches of the organization in six regions with the head office in Penza.

"In order to involve investors in the financial pyramid, the organizers advertised their activity in the mass media. According to preliminary information, the number of victims exceeds 3,000 people who suffered the damage of over 1 billion roubles," she added.

Irina Volk reported that criminal cases had been opened on the fact under Art. 159 and 210 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Swindling" and "Creation of a criminal community (criminal organisation) and participation therein".

"The police carried out seven raids in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Penza, discovered and seized objects and documents confirming the illegal activities. Four founders and active members of the criminal organisation were arrested. In order to provide compensation for the damage, 22 real estate units belonging to the defendants in the criminal case were seized," she said.