Russia Seizes Chinese Fugitive Wanted For $150 Million Phone Scam

Russian authorities have apprehended a Chinese fugitive accused of masterminding a multimillion-dollar phone scam that targeted victims in China and other countries.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry, the suspect, identified as Altanbulag, was arrested in the Siberian city of Irkutsk on August 23, 2023. He is accused of leading a criminal group that defrauded victims of more than $150 million through a sophisticated phone scam.

The scam involved sending automated phone calls to victims, claiming that they had missed a package delivery or had outstanding charges on their credit cards. When victims called back to inquire, they were connected to scammers who posed as customer service representatives and tricked them into revealing their personal and financial information.

The Russian Interior Ministry said that Altanbulag's arrest was the result of a joint investigation with Chinese law enforcement agencies. The suspect was extradited to China on August 25, 2023, to face charges.