Bangladesh, April 15 -- Russia has launched a sweeping criminal investigation into a massive financial fraud scheme that allegedly siphoned off more than one trillion rubles-approximately $13.31 billion-from the countrys budget system through the use of fake invoices and an extensive network of shell companies. The probe, announced by the Investigative Committee of Russia, underscores growing concerns about systemic tax evasion and financial manipulation within the countrys corporate sector.

According to officials, the case centers on an organized group suspected of orchestrating a complex and highly coordinated operation that has been active since at least 2023. Investigators allege that the group established over 4,000 shell companies,...