Russia Turns to Digital Oversight to Curb SIM Card Fraud

Starting in fall 2025, every SIM card sale in Russia will be recorded on video, with footage stored for at least 30 days to combat mass fraud schemes.

Beginning in the fall of 2025, all SIM card sales points in Russia will be required to implement video surveillance. Retailers must store the footage for no less than 30 days.

The cameras will document every step taken by both the telecom operator’s representative and the customer signing the contract. Officials say this move is critical for cleaning up the sector. The urgency is underscored by recent findings: in July, the Ministry of Digital Development discovered 56 individuals whose names were used to register more than 1.2 million SIM cards, most of which were active. Authorities suspect many of these were linked to fraudulent operations.

From September 1, every contract procedure—including document presentation—must be captured and archived. Attempts to circumvent the rule will carry serious consequences, as violators face steep fines for breaking sales regulations.