The Interior Ministry said it had uncovered a fraudulent scheme in the Hrodna region operating under the guise of the Miracle for Children charity fund.
According to the ministry, four foreign nationals aged between 21 and 48 registered an organisation in Belarus in 2024 that allegedly collected money to help seriously ill children. More than 120 teenagers aged 14 to 16 were recruited to collect donations on the streets of regional centres.
To create the appearance of legitimacy, one-tenth of the collected funds was directed towards the organisation’s stated purposes. The remaining money — about 400,000 Belarusian roubles — was allegedly taken out of the country in cash. The actual amount is believed to be significantly higher.
Computer equipment, financial records and part of the collected money were seized. Prosecutors have opened a criminal case on fraud charges. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison.
