Scam in RussiaFake officials
Drug sales linked to police bribery in Russia
How it works
Drug sellers may be linked to police or watched by them. A buyer can then face police action and pressure to pay a large bribe.
Warning signs
- Someone offers illegal drugs inside a club.
- A new acquaintance encourages you to buy or carry drugs.
How to avoid it
- Do not buy or use illegal drugs.
- Do not carry a package or substance for a new acquaintance.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and seek legal and consular help. Do not rely on a seller's promise that a payment will solve the problem.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or physically resist an armed robber.
- If you are injured or suspect drink spiking, seek urgent medical help and stay with someone you trust.
- Freeze stolen or compromised payment cards. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save receipts, bills, booking records and messages. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or officer details.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report or reference. In Moscow, Tourist Police can help visitors in foreign languages.
- Contact your insurer and, if documents were stolen or you need support, your embassy or consulate. Keep copies of reports and expenses.
Questions
What is the drug sales linked to police bribery scam in Russia?
Drug sellers may be linked to police or watched by them. A buyer can then face police action and pressure to pay a large bribe.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers illegal drugs inside a club. A new acquaintance encourages you to buy or carry drugs.
How do I avoid drug sales linked to police bribery in Russia?
Do not buy or use illegal drugs. Do not carry a package or substance for a new acquaintance.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and seek legal and consular help. Do not rely on a seller's promise that a payment will solve the problem.
Where in Russia does this happen?
Nightclubs and other venues where illegal drugs are sold.
How much can it cost me?
A bribe may run into multiple thousands of US dollars.
How common is this scam in Russia?
Occasional. Tourists can face pickpocketing, taxi overcharging, money exchange tricks and nightlife scams in Russia. Crowded transport, unofficial taxis and unfamiliar bars need extra care, while some scams involve fake inspectors or demands for bribes.
Are there similar scams in Russia?
Yes: police demands for bribes.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, fraud or threats through an official police channel. Give the location, time and any evidence. Ask for a written record or reference. Moscow Tourist Police: ask Tourist Police officers for help in Moscow. They can speak foreign languages and assist visitors. Card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact details to freeze a compromised card and report unauthorized transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for stolen travel documents, help after a serious crime or guidance if pressured by officials. Taxi booking service: report a fare dispute or driver incident through the service used to book the ride. Include the trip record, vehicle details and receipt. Transport staff: report a suspected fake ticket inspector to the driver or transport operator. Record the route and time. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
Reviewed by @snuck