The Russian State Duma Passes Law Imposing Criminal Liability for Drops

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has passed a bill in its second and third readings that introduces criminal liability for so-called “drops” — individuals who hand over their bank cards to fraudsters.

The penalty includes up to 6 years of imprisonment and fines of up to ₽1 million. The bill has been submitted to the Federation Council and awaits the President’s signature.

What the Law Provides

The legislation establishes criminal liability for transferring one’s bank cards and related data to third parties for use in fraudulent schemes. These actions are equated to aiding and abetting fraud.

Main penalties include:

• Imprisonment for up to 6 years
• A fine of up to 1,000,000 rubles

Responsible Authorities and Committees

The bill was developed with the involvement of the following bodies:

• Main Committee: State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation
• Co-executive Committee: Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption
• Government Opinion: Not required

The Law Is Part of a Thematic Block

“State Building and Constitutional Rights of Citizens,” and it also falls under the legislative area of: Criminal Law and Enforcement of Sentences.

Legislative Timeline

Next Steps

Following its adoption by the State Duma, the bill has been forwarded to the Federation Council and will then be sent to the President of the Russian Federation for signature.