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A 73-year-old pensioner in the Almaty region has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam, losing her only home. The incident bears a striking resemblance to a high-profile case involving Russian singer Larisa Dolina.

The Deceptive Scheme

Tamara Shin, the 73-year-old retiree, was contacted by individuals posing as police officers and National Bank employees. They convinced her to sell her house at a significantly reduced price. The fraudsters pressured Ms. Shin into agreeing to the sale and forbade her from discussing the matter with anyone, threatening her with criminal charges if she revealed their scheme.

A Rapid Sale and a Familiar Victim

The scammers quickly posted a listing for the house in Ms. Shin's name. Within a single day, they found a buyer, presenting themselves as participants in a supposed "operation." Ms. Shin was instructed to hand over the money from the sale to her neighbor, Nadezhda Tskhai, via a power of attorney. Tragically, it was later discovered that Ms. Tskhai had been a victim of a similar scam just a few months prior.

Legal Battles and Lingering Hope

After reporting the fraud to the police, the victims' relatives attempted to reclaim the property. However, the new owner refused to annul the contract, suggesting legal action instead. In both instances, the court ruled in favor of the new property owner.

Ongoing Investigation

According to lawyer Mukhtar Myrzatay, the defense team is preparing a cassation appeal and hopes for an amicable resolution. Meanwhile, the police continue their search for the perpetrators. Ms. Shin is now awaiting a court decision regarding her eviction from the home she once owned.

This story was reported by Infohub.kz.