10 reasons why a criminal case may be initiated after a P2P exchange to a card
(With real examples and consequences)
P2P cryptocurrency exchanges for rubles seem simple, but thousands of people have already faced account blocks and criminal cases. Here are the most dangerous scenarios with examples from practice:
🔴 1. Receiving money from the victims of scammers
What is happening:
Scammers deceive people (for example, under the guise of investments), and then transfer the stolen money through P2P exchanges to your card.
Real case (2023, Moscow):
A girl sold USDT for 500,000 rubles. A week later, her card was blocked – it turned out the money was stolen from a pensioner (she was persuaded to transfer it "to a safe account"). A case was initiated under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (money laundering).
🔴 2. Exchange for counterfeit bills
What is happening:
You meet with a cash buyer, and they hand you counterfeit money.
Court example (2022, St. Petersburg):
A man sold BTC for 1.2 million rubles in cash. The buyer turned out to be a scammer – part of the bills was counterfeit. The seller was accused under Article 186 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (selling counterfeit money).
🔴 3. Reversal of payment after the transaction
What is happening:
The buyer transfers money via SBP, you send crypto, and then they revoke the payment through the bank.
Case (2024, Yekaterinburg):
The exchange lost 2 BTC – the buyer revoked the transfer, citing "unauthorized operation". The bank returned the money, and the crypto remained with the scammer.
🔴 4. Transfer from a drop's card (front person)
What is happening:
Criminals use "drop" cards (front persons) for transfers. When they are caught, all recipients are checked.
Example (2023, Rostov-on-Don):
A student had their account blocked after receiving 300,000 rubles. It turned out that the sender was a "drop" for drug dealers. A case was initiated under Article 210 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (organized crime).
🔴 5. Accusation of organizing an unlicensed exchange
What is happening:
If you frequently exchange cryptocurrency for rubles, the Central Bank may consider it "illegal entrepreneurial activity".
Case (2022, Kazan):
A man was earning from currency arbitrage. The tax authorities considered him an "illegal exchanger" – Article 171 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (illegal entrepreneurship).
🔴 6. Receiving money from "cash-out" operators
What is happening:
Cryptocurrency is purchased with "dirty" money to launder it.
Real example (2023, Krasnodar):
A shell company transferred 8 million rubles for USDT. The recipient was accused under Article 174.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (legalization of criminal proceeds).
🔴 7. Fictitious report from a counterparty
What is happening:
The crypto buyer is a scammer themselves – after the transaction, they file a complaint stating they were deceived.
Case (2024, Novosibirsk):
The seller transferred BTC, but the buyer reported to the police that they "received nothing". A case was initiated under Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (fraud).
🔴 8. Use of a card without the owner's knowledge
What is happening:
Money arrives on your card from someone else's card (for example, a stolen one).
Example (2023, Voronezh):
A girl received 400,000 rubles for USDT. It turned out that the sender's card was stolen – Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (theft).
🔴 9. Transaction with a foreign counterparty (sanctions)
What is happening:
If the buyer is from a "hostile" country, they can be accused of violating sanctions.
Case (2024, Moscow):
The exchange sold USDT to a U.S. citizen. It fell under Article 193.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of currency control).
🔴 10. You were "leaked" through exchanger chats
What is happening:
Scammers specifically look for victims in Telegram P2P chats.
Example (2023, Samara):
A man sold USDT to a stranger from a chat. A month later, they arrived with a search – it turned out the money was from cybercriminals.
How to protect yourself?
✔️ Do not work with anonymous individuals – only verified users of exchanges.
✔️ Check the source of the money – if the transfer is from an individual entrepreneur/legal entity, it's a reason to be cautious.
✔️ Document everything – screenshots, correspondence, transfer numbers.
✔️ Do not accumulate funds on cards – withdraw immediately.
Important: If you are already being summoned for questioning – remain silent without a lawyer. Even an innocent phrase can become evidence against you.
Have you had a similar experience? Share in the comments – warn others! ⚠️
