Published: 11:53, December 10, 2024
Russia busts international fraud scheme linked to former Georgian defense chief
By Xinhua
Georgian former defense minister Davit Kezerashvili arrives on Dec, 2013 at Aix-en-Provence courthouse where an appeals court is to rule on his request that he be released pending a decision on an extradition to Georgia, where he is wanted on corruption charges. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Monday it has dismantled an international fraud network allegedly operating in the interests of former Georgian Minister of Defense Davit Kezerashvili.

The network of "call centers," which was part of a larger international organized crime group, was involved in mass fraud targeting citizens from the European Union, Canada, Brazil, India, and other countries, the FSB said in a statement.

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The suspects deceived victims under the guise of making investment transactions, amassing approximately $1 million in daily profits, the statement read, adding that around 100,000 individuals in over 50 countries were defrauded in the scheme.

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The statement said the FSB has arrested 11 individuals linked to the case, and investigative and operational activities are still ongoing.