Russia's Channel One television station has referred to police after unknown fraudsters offered to help singers progress on the popular talent show "Golos" ("The Voice"), news reports said Thursday.
The Golos School, which is not formally affiliated with the show, says on its website that it can “guarantee secure passage into the second round of 'The Voice'” in return for a payment of 120,000 rubles ($2,200).
Pupils at the school are offered room and board for the six-week training program, during which time they will work with psychologists and vocal coaches to prepare for the show, according to the site.
The site also claims the project was established by the producers of "The Voice" and Channel One and that three current and former judges from the talent show — singers Dina Garipova and Pelageya, and producer Igor Krutoi — work as teachers at the school.
Police in Moscow have appealed to anyone who has been affected by the fraud to come forward and make a complaint.
“Statements can also be submitted by participants and members of the jury on the famous television show whose personal data was illegally placed on the website of the 'school,'" a police spokesman told the Interfax news agency on Thursday.
"The Voice," Russia's version of the international singing competition, has been broadcast by Channel One since 2012. Singer Dima Bilan, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, also appears on the show as a judge.
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