Sverdlovsk Region cracks down on teen financial crimes with literacy push
Sverdlovsk Governor Denis Pasler Calls for Stronger Measures Against Teen Financial Crime
On March 31, Sverdlovsk Region Governor Denis Pasler chaired a joint meeting of the Coordination Council for Law Enforcement and the Regional Public Safety Council. A key focus was combating the involvement of minors in dropper schemes—illegal financial operations—according to the regional Department of Information Policy.
While the number of minors drawn into such crimes fell by more than half last year compared to 2024, the problem remains acute, with teenagers continuing to be targeted for unlawful activities. "Prevention must stay a top priority," Pasler emphasized.
The governor instructed the regional Ministry of Education to deepen cooperation with the Bank of Russia and expand financial literacy outreach among school and university students. Initiatives include online cybersecurity lessons and other preventive programs. In 2025 alone, these efforts reached over 100,000 adolescents, with one in three regional schools now participating in the Bank of Russia's project. Additionally, the region is hosting a "Financial Literacy and Dropper Prevention Marathon" in vocational schools through the end of the year.
Marina Myasnikova, head of the Bank of Russia's Urals Main Directorate, reported on measures to reduce risks of minors being lured into financial crimes. She noted that close collaboration between the central bank, regional authorities, law enforcement, and civil society has bolstered financial and digital literacy among young people.
Following the meeting, Pasler ordered sustained preventive efforts and seamless interagency coordination across all identified areas.
