According to Sberbank analysts, there are about 2 million active droppers in Russia — individuals who provide their bank accounts for the transit or cashing of illegal funds. From 2023, from 8 to 12 million citizens could be involved in such operations. At the same time, a third of the participants in the schemes (30–35%) are migrants and non-residents.
Since February 2025, 80 thousand people have been joining the ranks of intermediaries every month. Fraudsters are adapting strategies: instead of digital transactions, they are increasingly using couriers who personally pick up cash and valuables from victims. This shift is due to the strengthening of banking anti-fraud systems, which make it difficult to steal funds electronically.
The Central Bank maintains a register of those suspected of money laundering and terrorist financing. At the end of 2024, it included 700 thousand people. However, this database covers only a part of the participants in the schemes, as many cases remain unsolved due to the difficulty of tracking chains.
Droppers complicate the investigation of cybercrimes, allowing attackers to quickly withdraw funds through multiple accounts. This threatens financial stability, increases risks for ordinary users and undermines confidence in the banking system.
Earlier www1.ru reported that from May 15, citizens will be able to send no more than 100 thousand rubles per month if they are included in the list of droppers – people who help fraudsters withdraw stolen funds.
Read more on the topic:
Criminal liability for droppers is planned to be introduced in Russia
Sber proposed to fight droppers by introducing standards for banks
Russians were warned about a fraud scheme with clarification of work experience