St. Petersburg police detain dropper recruitment group after 1,500 cards and RUB 100 million in turnover

Russian law enforcement says a group in St. Petersburg recruited cardholders on social media, bought at least 1,500 payment cards, and pushed RUB 100 million through them for gray financial operations and transfers linked to fraudsters. For PSPs and acquirers, this is a reminder that card mule networks are not just a fraud symptom; they are infrastructure.

1. According to the authorities, the group recruited dropped cardholders, or drops, through social media by offering money in exchange for cards and access to bank accounts. The data collected from those recruits was then used for gray financial operations and transfers in the interests of fraudsters.
2. Investigators say the group bought no fewer than 1,500 cards and moved RUB 100 million through them. The operation, described as a fairly large drop hub, had been running since July 2025.
3. During searches, police seized phones, computers containing databases of dropper profiles, and 127 bank and SIM cards. The Ministry of Internal Affairs says the organized criminal group may also be connected to other crimes.
4. Criminal proceedings were opened under Part 6 of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on unlawful circulation of payment instruments. The charge carries a penalty of up to six years in prison.
5. One suspect is in custody and four others are under travel restrictions pending investigation.