According to Maksut Shadayev, head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, 56 individuals have been identified with 1.2 million active SIM cards registered in their names.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation has revealed that 56 individuals in the country possess more than a million SIM cards. This information was presented by Minister Maksut Shadayev to President Vladimir Putin during a government meeting.
Shadayev specified that 1.2 million active SIM cards are registered to these 56 individuals. He emphasized that such a high volume of SIM card ownership raises suspicions and warrants attention from law enforcement, as these numbers are likely used for illicit or questionable activities.
Amidst these findings, Russia is considering implementing fines for transferring subscriber numbers to third parties. The State Duma has already approved amendments that would impose fines of up to 50,000 rubles for individuals found in violation.
However, Artem Sheikin, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation, clarified that Russians will not be penalized for transferring SIM cards to close relatives, including children, parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.
