In the Republic of Belarus, the number of crimes committed by minors has increased by 13.9% this year. There has been an increase in cases related to the illegal circulation of bank cards or other payment instruments – from 23 to 119 offences under Article 222 of the Criminal Code, as well as drug-related offences – from 35 to 70. In total, over seven months of 2024, minors committed 763 crimes.
In the Republic of Belarus, the number of crimes committed by minors has increased by 13.9% this year. There has been an increase in cases related to the illegal circulation of bank cards or other payment instruments – from 23 to 119 offences under Article 222 of the Criminal Code, as well as drug-related offences – from 35 to 70. In total, over seven months of 2024, minors committed 763 crimes.
Almost a quarter of these occurred using the internet or computer technologies. Theft accounts for a similar proportion, although just a few years ago, theft constituted more than half of all juvenile crime.
Most often, children break the law due to the desire to earn money quickly and easily. For example, a minor learns from peers or on social media that they can open their payment card at a bank and sell its details for this purpose.
For one card, they receive an average of 20 Belarusian rubles. Ultimately, they can "earn" up to 10 years of imprisonment. This is because subsequently, the bank cards or access to accounts are used to withdraw money obtained through criminal means: drugs, fraud, and similar activities.
Minors are responsible for 47 fraud cases, half of which occurred in the virtual space. By posting advertisements for the sale of branded goods, smartphones, or vapes at a reduced price, the seller demands prepayment or a deposit to their card. After receiving the money, they delete their account and disappear.
To ensure that the desire to earn pocket money does not lead to problems with the law, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is actively conducting preventive work with both children and parents.