Elderly Passenger's Credit Card Robbed for 100,000 Rubles by Cabbie
*A Dastardly Taxi Ride: Thieving 84-Year-Old's Bank Card*
In the midst of a ride, a taxi driver seized the moment to swindle an elderly passenger's bank card and pin number. After dropping off the unsuspecting pensioner, the crooked cabby hit the ATM, withdrawing a hefty 100,000 rubles before returning the stolen card.
When the victim later tried to retrieve cash, bank personnel alerted him to an empty account.
An investigation ensued, with the taxi driver potentially facing up to 6 years in prison, according to reports from the GU MVD of Russia for the Krasnodar Territory.
Meanwhile, a recidivist from Krasnoyarsk allegedly swindled 116,000 rubles from a Krasnodar resident. A local woman filed a police report after discovering the hefty sum missing from her account. During the probe, authorities nabbed the suspect – a 50-year-old previously convicted for causing grievous bodily harm – on the streets of the regional center.
Stay Updated, It's a Wild Ride.
While sources didn't pinpoint bank card theft by taxi drivers in Russia, here's a quick lowdown on related insights:
Potential Bank Card Threats in Russia:
- Common risks: Street crimes like pickpocketing and muggings loom large in crowded areas, including Red Square. New cybercriminal groups, such as the "Mamont" malware operators, have been apprehended for siphoning off funds via SMS banking services, affecting over 300 victims.
- Taxi alerts: Unauthorized taxi services elsewhere (e.g., Chile) have been flagged for theft concerns, though there's no direct evidence linking Russian taxi drivers to such acts.
When it comes to financial crimes, Russian law enforcement has stepped up its game:- Recent busts: Three hackers implicated in the "Mamont" malware scheme were apprehended, accused of peddling malicious software and engaging in large-scale fraud.- Legal action: While specific penalties aren't detailed, financial fraud typically invites severe consequences under Russia's criminal code, including imprisonment (usually 2–6 years for large-scale fraud under Article 159) and asset seizure.
For travelers, be on your toes around ATMs and mobile banking, and stick to recognized taxi services to avoid dishonest dealing. Don't share your card details with anyone.
Note: Consult official Russian legal resources or embassy advisories for accurate penalty guidelines.
- The incident inKrasnodar Territory shows that taxi rides can sometimes become a platform for theft, as an elderly passenger had his bank card and PIN number stolen.
- Similar to the Krasnodar case, an alleged recidivist from Krasnoyarsk swindled 116,000 rubles from a resident there, highlighting the risks of bank card theft in Russia.
- Reports suggest that while street crimes like pickpocketing are common, there's no direct evidence linking Russian taxi drivers to bank card theft specifically.
- Authorities in Russia take financial crimes seriously, as shown by their apprehension of hackers involved in the "Mamont" malware scheme and the potential prison sentence of up to 6 years for large-scale fraud under Article 159 of the Russian criminal code.
