IT Crimes in Russia Increased by 50% Since the Start of the Pandemic

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of IT-related crimes in Russia has increased by one and a half times, according to Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. Kolokoltsev spoke at a meeting of the Council of Ministers of Internal Affairs of the CIS member states, as reported by the Ministry’s press secretary, Irina Volk.

Kolokoltsev noted that the pandemic accelerated the digitalization of society, with people switching to remote work and study, which led to increased online activity. Additionally, organizations began using electronic platforms more frequently to provide services. All these factors contributed to a further rise in crimes committed using information and telecommunication technologies.

“In Russia, the number of such crimes has increased by 50% over the past two years and continues to grow. The majority of these offenses are fraud-related,” Kolokoltsev said.

Law Enforcement Priorities and New Threats

The Minister highlighted joint efforts to combat extremism, terrorism, and illegal migration as key priorities for law enforcement agencies in CIS countries.

Kolokoltsev also pointed out that the spread of drugs is among the fastest-growing crimes involving information and telecommunication technologies. He proposed that his colleagues create an Interstate Registry of resources distributing prohibited information about drugs, so that authorized agencies in CIS countries can block them. “A similar registry has existed in Russia since 2012,” Kolokoltsev said, apparently referring to the registry of banned information, which includes not only drug-related websites.