Fake governor emails target Khabarovsk businesses in data theft scam

Businesses in Khabarovsk Krai have received fraudulent emails claiming to be from Governor Dmitry Demeshin. The messages request sensitive company details under the pretence of supporting humanitarian aid for Iran. Authorities have confirmed the emails are fake and warned the public about the scam.

The deceptive emails appear official at first glance. They include a seal, signature, date, and reference number to mimic genuine correspondence. However, a closer look reveals errors: the governor's address is wrong, the formatting is outdated, and the reference number is invalid. The signature and seal are also poorly executed.

The messages ask for confidential business information. Recipients are prompted to share production capacities, lists of engineering staff, and inventories of humanitarian supplies. These requests aim to extract valuable data under false pretences.

Local authorities have taken steps to combat such fraud over the past year. In May 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a regional awareness campaign with workshops and online guides on detecting phishing attempts. By August 2025, mandatory reporting protocols for companies were introduced. Later, in November 2025, banks partnered with the government to implement real-time transaction verification tools. These measures were detailed in official statements and local news reports.

The fake documents contain clear inconsistencies, making them easier to spot. Businesses are urged to verify any unexpected requests for sensitive information. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise caution when handling unsolicited emails.