Marriage Fraud in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Quick Marriages with Frontline Soldiers to Defraud Large Compensation
According to The Wall Street Journal, the high death compensation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to a new form of marriage fraud. Some women, known as "black widows," are accused of targeting soldiers about to go to the front line, marrying them in fake marriages, and then defrauding large compensation after their deaths. These cases have drawn widespread attention within Russia.
It is reported that Russia has offered high salaries and bonuses to attract men to join the military. The compensation for the families of fallen soldiers varies by rank and circumstances, usually exceeding 14.5 million rubles, sometimes reaching approximately $200,000, which is almost 20 times the average annual salary in Russia. However, these large compensations flowing into poor areas have not only caused disputes among relatives over inheritance but also attracted opportunists.
Russian investigative authorities stated that in the energy hub of Khanty-Mansiysk in Siberia, there is a fraud ring that specifically targets single men, persuades them to sign military service contracts, arranges fake marriages, and then gains financial control. In addition, social media has become a breeding ground for fraudsters. On Russian social media platforms, groups with names like "Dating Soldiers" are filled with people seeking military husbands.
U.S. media also detailed a case where a family and a newlywed spouse went to court. A 27-year-old soldier, Kostyliko, married a woman he met on social media. After a short cohabitation, he returned to the front line and then filed for divorce. However, he died before the divorce was fully finalized. Legally, his spouse was still the beneficiary of the compensation. Kostyliko's mother questioned the authenticity of the marriage and filed a lawsuit. The court ultimately revoked the woman's right to claim the compensation.
Original source: www.toutiao.com/article/1847936912628873/
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