"The Russian Scam": Gang defrauded elderly and stole one million shekels in valuables
Gang member Oleg Pogosian reenacted before police how he defrauded Russian-speaking seniors. According to the indictment, the group posed as National Insurance Institute officials using data obtained from the darknet. Police Major Sergei Dalgats condemned the acts as the height of cynicism.
Oleg Pogosian is accused of stealing over one million shekels from elderly victims. The gang, of which Pogosian was a member, allegedly posed as representatives of the National Insurance Institute and the Tax Authority. The defendant was captured on camera taking tens of thousands of shekels from an elderly woman. The group utilized data purchased on the darknet. Pogosian has confessed to several counts, citing debts to the "gray market." The prosecution has requested that he remain in custody until the end of the legal proceedings.
During a recent reenactment with Ariel police investigators, Pogosian demonstrated how he defrauded elderly Russian-speaking individuals, stealing jewelry, watches, diamonds, and cash. According to the indictment, Pogosian operated as part of an international fraud ring that stole property worth over one million shekels.
"I went inside the building, knocked on the door, and a woman around 70 or 75 opened it. I took a box back with me," Pogosian recounted during the reenactment.
Security cameras documented the modus operandi of the gang, known as "The Russian Scam." In the footage, Pogosian is seen arriving at a victim's home, posing as a courier for the National Insurance Institute. The victim, having previously received a call from a Russian-speaking "representative" who recited her personal details, handed over 82,000 shekels in cash. During the call, the gang connected a woman whose voice mimicked the victim's daughter, instructing her to comply with the "officials."
The Method: Darknet Data Exploitation
Investigators believe the gang's headquarters is located in Eastern Europe. Members purchased personal data of elderly Russian-speaking citizens—including ID numbers, phone numbers, and addresses—obtained by hackers who breached government institutions.
To convince victims to surrender their property, the gang claimed that due to the war against Iran and missile strikes in Arad, Beit Shemesh, and Bnei Brak, they were required to "insure" their valuables. Pogosian and his accomplices sold the stolen jewelry to a merchant in Ramat Gan, pocketing over half a million shekels.
"The Height of Cynicism"
Police Major Sergei Dalgats, head of the Samaria district investigation bureau, noted the callous nature of the crimes:
"His approach is quite cynical. He is the one who arrives at these people's homes, communicates with them, and looks them in the eyes. These seniors keep jewelry for generations—medals from the Second World War that hold immense sentimental and emotional value. Yet, he takes all of this to a jewelry store to be melted down. It is the height of cynicism."
