Russian court orders 49 million rubles repaid in massive money-laundering case
A fraudulent money-laundering scheme involving nine participants in Yoshkar-Ola has ended with a court ruling to recover 49 million rubles. The operation, linked to Larisa Dolinaya, saw funds distributed through newly opened bank accounts. One of the money mules, Aydar Keldybayev, died before facing full legal consequences.
The scheme unfolded in June 2024 when Dolinaya transferred large sums to multiple individuals. Keldybayev alone received 5 million rubles on June 21, followed by another 10 million rubles just six days later. Prosecutors later argued that these payments constituted unjust enrichment, demanding 15 million rubles be returned from him.
All nine participants lived in Yoshkar-Ola, though investigators believed the operation was directed by unnamed individuals based in Ukraine. Many of the bank accounts used had been opened only a day before the money was moved. Money mules—people who allow their accounts to be used for illegal transfers—played a key role in the process. In late 2025, the Yoshkar-Ola City Court ordered the nine participants to repay the full 49 million rubles obtained illegally. However, the claim against Keldybayev was dropped after his death. As of January 2026, no verified reports have identified specific Ukrainians connected to the scheme.
The court’s decision means the nine participants must return the stolen funds. Keldybayev’s death halted the recovery of his share, but the remaining 49 million rubles will be pursued from the others. The case highlights the risks of money mule operations and the legal consequences for those involved.
