Alteration in Liability for Dissemination of Subscriber Phone Numbers in Criminal Contexts
In a move aimed at combating telephone fraud and related crimes, Russia has approved amendments to its existing laws that introduce fines for the illegal transfer of subscriber numbers. The new law, which also targets the use of SIM boxes and virtual telephone exchanges, is part of a broader effort to curb illegal activities.
Under the new law, individuals found guilty of transferring a subscriber number without permission face fines ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles. Sole proprietors could be fined up to 100,000 rubles, while legal entities may be penalized up to 200,000 rubles. The law also establishes criminal liability for the unlawful transfer of mobile service subscriber numbers, with penalties including fines of up to 700,000 rubles, compulsory labor or imprisonment for up to three years, and the restriction of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to two years.
However, experts have raised concerns about the implementation of these amendments, citing potential ambiguity between legitimate and illegal use of subscriber number transfers.
Meanwhile, the State Duma has postponed the first reading of a bill on recognizing "de facto marital relations." This bill, which was controversial, could have helped surviving civilian partners of deceased or missing participants in the special military operation (SVO) to obtain the status of spouse through court. If passed, this recognition could have allowed them to claim inheritance and social benefits. The bill's postponement indicates that the issue remains under discussion and a decision has not yet been reached.
This new policy-and-legislation targets unlawful subscriber number transfers and the associated crimes, forming part of Russia's broader efforts to curtail illegal activities in the politics and general-news category. Experts, however, voice concerns over the potential ambiguity in implementing these amendments, especially when differentiating between legitimate and illegal uses of subscriber number transfers in the crime-and-justice domain.
