Russian police uncover huge fraud schemeNovember 19, 2013 - 15:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian police said Tuesday, Nov 19, they have uncovered a massive fraud scheme that stole 10.5 billion rubles ($322 million) from social payments to mothers. Nine of the ringleaders of the alleged fraud gang were arrested in the culmination of a two-year operation involving over 800 police officers, the Interior Ministry said in a statement, according to RIA Novosti. The social support in question was introduced in 2007 for mothers of more than one child in a bid to stimulate Russia’s low birthrate. The payments, worth over ten thousand dollars per child, can only be used for designated purposes, including real estate purchases or paying for a child’s education. Police said the scheme used fictitious real estate deals to allow mothers from poor backgrounds, suffering from alcohol addiction or psychological problems to cash the payment, with organizers taking a commission payment of between 30 percent and 80 percent. The alleged fraudulent service operated in dozens of regions across Russia, had corrupt links to local authorities and involved over 400 companies set up for the purpose, the police statement said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |