Taxi driver convicted of stealing from scam-targeted passenger in Khabarovsk

A taxi driver in Khabarovsk has been convicted of stealing from a passenger who was attempting to send money to scammers. The incident took place in February 2023, when the driver took the cash for himself instead of completing the transfer. The court ruled that his actions amounted to robbery under Russian law.

The passenger, who was being targeted by fraudsters, asked the driver to transfer 85,000 rubles on his behalf. The driver initially advised the man to contact the police, but the passenger refused. Instead of following through with the transaction, the driver deposited the money into his own account.

The passenger later filed a complaint, which led to the driver’s arrest. Authorities investigated the case and found him guilty under Part 1 of Article 161 of the Russian Criminal Code. During the trial, the driver repaid 70,000 rubles, which the court considered a mitigating factor. This case follows another incident in Khabarovsk, where a resident left 3 million rubles under her balcony for scammers. The taxi driver’s sentence included one year of probation, with the partial repayment influencing the final ruling.

The court’s decision means the driver will serve a year on probation. The repayment of 70,000 rubles was acknowledged as part of the sentencing process. The case highlights the risks of financial fraud and the legal consequences for those who exploit such situations.