Former Deputy Mayor of Arsenyev Suspected of Involvement in 25 Million Ruble OneCoin Scheme, 2026/02/13 09:25:12

In Primorsky Krai, a former deputy mayor of Arsenyev has been detained. She is suspected of engaging in fraudulent activities related to cryptocurrency investments, with total damages in the case exceeding 25 million rubles.

According to reports from RIA Novosti citing regional law enforcement, while serving in the city administration, the woman encouraged acquaintances to invest funds in digital assets through a cryptocurrency exchange, to which she allegedly had access. It was later revealed that the funds were funneled into the OneCoin financial pyramid.

The Primorye police clarified that the suspect involved Russian citizens in the scheme, presenting it as investments in a “rapidly growing cryptocurrency.” She was aware that the invested funds could not be converted into currencies used in legal financial transactions. According to law enforcement, at least 40 residents of the region handed over money to her.

The prosecutor’s office reported that more than 20 individuals have been recognized as victims in the case, with losses exceeding 25 million rubles. “Considering the position of the prosecutor’s office, the suspect has been remanded in custody for a period of 2 months,” the supervisory agency stated.

The criminal case is being investigated by the investigative department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia “Arsenyevsky.” It has been initiated under part 4 of article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud on a particularly large scale). The 50-year-old suspect could face up to 10 years in prison.

Previously, a resident of Nizhnekamsk invested 3.6 million rubles in a fraudulent cryptocurrency project.