The Interior Ministry's economic security and anti-corruption department has arrested members of a group suspected of stealing more than 20 apartments that were owned by Rostelecom.
According to the ministry, the group included managers from real estate firm Megapolis-Service, former and current employees of Rostelecom and a notary public.
The scheme, which was carried out in 2008, involved managers at Rostelecom responsible for the national operator's real estate converting apartments and commercial space into property privately owned — by dead people.
Falsified paperwork was used at the state property registry to document ownership, which was then passed on to inheritors and the property subsequently sold to third parties.
In the process of the investigation, 16 searches were conducted of work places and homes of suspected participants, including the office of Megapolis-Service, during which items and documents were confiscated related to the criminal charges.
Authorities also found in the Megapolis-Service office more than 25 stamps of various commercial organizations suspected of being "one-day" companies used to misappropriate funds belonging to Russian Post and Russian Railways as part of supplier contracts.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
