darkpisces
1 April 2007, 20:57
I beleive this is a well organized group operating out of Moscow. The scam is designed to take about 4 months. Someone spent a great deal of time getting it just right ... the emotional hook is the period of time these people are willing to devote to one victim for $1200.00 US. The money is always sent to Ilyas Samegulin or "uncle" ... ID is obviously required to obtain the funds. Is this their leader/employer? Who is this person?
Danil first emailed me about 4 months ago (yes ... gay.com) and we began corresponding every day. The same formula letters that everyone has received.
His parents considered me a son and with their help, he travels to Moscow (in this case with his war veteran uncle to keep him safe for me, apparently) to obtain a visa. He has hired an agency to guide him through the process ... Odissea Travel. "Very necessary, bad people in Russia" ... no kidding!
He has asked for nothing at this point. Now comes the round way ticket.
He says he did not know he needed one and had planned to obtain the visa and return home to work and save for a ticket. "Can't get visa with out return ticket! HELP ME my love!!!". He pleads very well and I have, unfortunately, fallen for him. I send 1200 US via Western Union to Moscow.
The wire is in his uncle's name because war veterans do not pay tax on wired money (?). His name is ILYAS SAMEGULIN.
This is the letter:
Hello Rodney, my love, please, read this letter very attentively and tell what should I do! I wanted to write you just tomorrow but I can't wait with answer because this is very serious. I talked with manager today like I planned and we discussed some questions. All the documents were taken but they told me I shouldhave round ticket to you for getting visa. I should have ticket before Interview in Embassy . Not all people leave Canada after ending visa's time, also Russian government should be sure about my safety and I must be able to come back if I have problems there. By the way within 3 years I will get citizenship because I will have papers and I will work very hard and have good recommendation - it will be much more easily to make from Canada with papers I will bring with me.
WE have alot of restrictions here. We will talk about this when I come to you on place. BY the way I didn't expect that I have to get ticket first but and when I showed contract to Sergey (this is manager I work with) he showed me point in contract that I signed and it was written about ticket that I probably didn't get attention - THIS IS MY GUILT! I should pay for ticket and Agency will buy ticket for me - they have connection with airfare company that get tickets for them with better price because they buy more then 200 tickets a month. My love,I am in confusion, they told me ticket will costs 1232 US Dollars (includes
taxes and fees)!! They checked flight on 5 of April to Vancouver, British Columbia. As soon as I get visa I will go to see family before leaving so Iasked to check ticket for later date... I also will need some time to get my degree and resume from job to covert into International form, resume is very important because it will help me get job easier. That flight Agency offered me has free seats if I buy ticket the other day but if I delay some time they will offer me other flight. I can add about 40 USD from money I have to this ticket but I understand this is nothing...
Also they asked your contact information in case they or Embassy need contact you. You don't should worry that I provided this info - this is necessary and no one get this information - this is private and I also told you are my friend and I am coming to you so if someone contact you please tell that I am your friend - don't tell that we are partners please, this is important.
Please, tell me what should I do? Process is started already and I will not get visa without flight.. I can't find these money right now, I even don't have way to contact family from here and family's money at this moment, my money I had in savings and uncle put all his saved money in visa process .... anyway they helped as much as they could. I estimate how much I need you, what place you take in my life and I am scared about that. I am scared loosing you, please, don't let me down.. You know I didn't want to be financial dependent and parents gave all savings just not involve you in financial questions but now I don't know what to do... I told that I have friend who I fly and if way he can get flight for me somehow but but they told that they don't let anyone get ticket because they have good reputation and they have list of work they will never let
anyone to do because if you make something wrong and I get refused because of tickets they will have great trouble right up to loosing license.. This point also written in contract..
I talked about that with my uncle and he told that time is tight and we should go to the bank and find out in case.. I even was in bank and they advised me Western Union system - they told this is fast and very safe way to make and receive transfers all over the world. In Western Union will ask for some 10- digit MTCN number you should have as soon as transfer are made (in bank told me this is necessary). They will give funds in your currency but I can easy to covert them into Russian rubles, this is not problem at - there are many points of currency exchange here so don't worry about that. We were in bank that has Western Union branch but you can make transfer to other bank, it works here in Moscow:
Fora-Bank
Polyarnaya str., 3/1
Woscow , 127081
Phone: 7(495)(2297698)
I also found out very important thing and glad this is not late - by government rules people who receive funds from outside of Russia are taxed BUT government, veteran of war, people who were damaged by radiation of Chernobyl (in Ukraine in 1986) and some other don't have to pay tax. I talked to my uncle and he agreed to help me, he feel himself guilt that we are not able to assist ticket. He wants us be be together and live happy life. He was in association of Veteran protection and talked about that. His paper and medal about getting fight in Afganistan war he left at home so we were afraid that he can have problem but they assure it will not problem because he is veteran and named in archive.
Please, don't be mad for me but I really did everything just to let us to be together and have you in my arms at least. I am not sure but I do hope you can help with ticket. I will give you uncle name for who make transfer if you are able so I will not have problem with tax police. Uncle's name is: "ILYAS SAMEGULIN" - it should be spelled right in case in bank told it can be problem even if one letter written wrong because of high secure policy. He will get money with his passport and since regular bank system is not good developed here in Russia, Western Union is the best and easiest way and works very good! They also told you can make transfer on-line and in person in Western Union office.
On-line transfers doesn't work good here in Russia so you should go to theWestern Union office in person. I am sorry for this difficulties and feel myself not good but I really tried all my best to find out before giving you information. I think this is fate that I found out about this because if you make transfer in my name I could have problems later.
This is again full name of my uncle you should know - check it spelled right:
ILYAS SAMEGULIN
Russia
Please, write me letter as soon as possible, I need your letter as never and please, don't hate me for that. I love you very much and I didn't want any financial problems to be involved until we are in person but I am helpless now.. My uncle asked me to apologize from him.... I love you so very much Rodney and Idon't picture future without you.. Please, don't refuse me because if I refuse visa next time will me much harder and in mostly cases impossible... I need your letter tomorrow morning, please.... I am sorry this letter is mess and not happy but I am afraid... If I have funds tomorrow I will get ticket at the same day.
As for Moscow's sight, I have not had anything exciting because I concentrate for visa now..
With love and hope,
your Dan
Next comes the poignant request for 3500 Canadian after his supposed interview at the Canadian Embassy. I am beginning to smell a rat and refuse. I tell him of my doubts and offer him other options ... basically go home and save money. I tell him there are other ways we can be together.
He says he will prove he is telling the truth. I receive this email:
From: manager@odisseatravel.org
Subject: Danil Kuklinishkin's request
Date: March 16, 2007 8:15:20 AM PDT (CA)
To:
Reply-To: manager@odisseatravel.org
Hello Rodney. My name is Sergey Eduardovich Potanin and I am manager of Odissea Agency. I work with Danil Kuklinishkin directly and he asked me to contact with you and conform he is our client. I want to confirm that Danil Kuklinishkin in client of Odissea Agency and we provide everything for his visa. We provide his with tickets, passport, some other things and any consult. He had interview in Canadian Embassy 13 March 2007 year but have not got visa until he show he has funds to travel - this is 3500 Canadian dollars. WE don't practice contacting not with our clients but mr. Danil Kuklinishkin asked vert much.
regards,
Sergey Potanin
16.03.2007 г.
С наилучшими пожеланиями
Агенство Иммиграции "Odissea"
I reply, playing along ... curious about a response:
Dear Mr. Potanin,
Thank you for your email.
I spoke with the Canadian Embassy here explaining Danil's situation regarding money. The Embassy here suggested I call the Embassy in Moscow and tell them the following information:
1). I am prepared to provide Danil with food and shelter for an indefinite period of time.
2). If anything should happen to me, my roommate will continue to assist Danil.
3). I have found Danil a job at my place of employment.
This information can be verified. I will do all I can to prove what I say is true.
In order to speak to the person in charge of Danil's application I will need his file number and category. Can you send me this information?
I am very eager for Danil to establish a new life in Canada and will do all I can to help him.
I greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Rodney
No response, of course.
At this point I stumble upon antiscam.net and am HORRIFIED, STUPIFIED and sadly enlightened.
I feel a myriad of emotions and hurt is definitely at the top of the list ... this happened a few weeks ago. I feel quite the fool for love. I will have much more to say regarding this scam ... but for now, this is a start.
This is the address he gave:
Danil Kuklinishkin
Lenina street, 10 do vosrebovanija
Volzhskiy, 404130
Russia
Rodney (aka Darkpisces)
I have many letters and pictures if anyone is interested.
I have also shared this information with my MP, Hedy Fry in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Embassy in Canada, the FBI, the FSB and, of course, Western Union with whom I am still corresponding regarding this Ilyas Samegulin.
*pictures of Danil Kuklinishkin can be viewed at this address:
http://russiandetective.forumup.org/viewtopic.php?t=1724&mforum=russiandetective
Danil first emailed me about 4 months ago (yes ... gay.com) and we began corresponding every day. The same formula letters that everyone has received.
His parents considered me a son and with their help, he travels to Moscow (in this case with his war veteran uncle to keep him safe for me, apparently) to obtain a visa. He has hired an agency to guide him through the process ... Odissea Travel. "Very necessary, bad people in Russia" ... no kidding!
He has asked for nothing at this point. Now comes the round way ticket.
He says he did not know he needed one and had planned to obtain the visa and return home to work and save for a ticket. "Can't get visa with out return ticket! HELP ME my love!!!". He pleads very well and I have, unfortunately, fallen for him. I send 1200 US via Western Union to Moscow.
The wire is in his uncle's name because war veterans do not pay tax on wired money (?). His name is ILYAS SAMEGULIN.
This is the letter:
Hello Rodney, my love, please, read this letter very attentively and tell what should I do! I wanted to write you just tomorrow but I can't wait with answer because this is very serious. I talked with manager today like I planned and we discussed some questions. All the documents were taken but they told me I shouldhave round ticket to you for getting visa. I should have ticket before Interview in Embassy . Not all people leave Canada after ending visa's time, also Russian government should be sure about my safety and I must be able to come back if I have problems there. By the way within 3 years I will get citizenship because I will have papers and I will work very hard and have good recommendation - it will be much more easily to make from Canada with papers I will bring with me.
WE have alot of restrictions here. We will talk about this when I come to you on place. BY the way I didn't expect that I have to get ticket first but and when I showed contract to Sergey (this is manager I work with) he showed me point in contract that I signed and it was written about ticket that I probably didn't get attention - THIS IS MY GUILT! I should pay for ticket and Agency will buy ticket for me - they have connection with airfare company that get tickets for them with better price because they buy more then 200 tickets a month. My love,I am in confusion, they told me ticket will costs 1232 US Dollars (includes
taxes and fees)!! They checked flight on 5 of April to Vancouver, British Columbia. As soon as I get visa I will go to see family before leaving so Iasked to check ticket for later date... I also will need some time to get my degree and resume from job to covert into International form, resume is very important because it will help me get job easier. That flight Agency offered me has free seats if I buy ticket the other day but if I delay some time they will offer me other flight. I can add about 40 USD from money I have to this ticket but I understand this is nothing...
Also they asked your contact information in case they or Embassy need contact you. You don't should worry that I provided this info - this is necessary and no one get this information - this is private and I also told you are my friend and I am coming to you so if someone contact you please tell that I am your friend - don't tell that we are partners please, this is important.
Please, tell me what should I do? Process is started already and I will not get visa without flight.. I can't find these money right now, I even don't have way to contact family from here and family's money at this moment, my money I had in savings and uncle put all his saved money in visa process .... anyway they helped as much as they could. I estimate how much I need you, what place you take in my life and I am scared about that. I am scared loosing you, please, don't let me down.. You know I didn't want to be financial dependent and parents gave all savings just not involve you in financial questions but now I don't know what to do... I told that I have friend who I fly and if way he can get flight for me somehow but but they told that they don't let anyone get ticket because they have good reputation and they have list of work they will never let
anyone to do because if you make something wrong and I get refused because of tickets they will have great trouble right up to loosing license.. This point also written in contract..
I talked about that with my uncle and he told that time is tight and we should go to the bank and find out in case.. I even was in bank and they advised me Western Union system - they told this is fast and very safe way to make and receive transfers all over the world. In Western Union will ask for some 10- digit MTCN number you should have as soon as transfer are made (in bank told me this is necessary). They will give funds in your currency but I can easy to covert them into Russian rubles, this is not problem at - there are many points of currency exchange here so don't worry about that. We were in bank that has Western Union branch but you can make transfer to other bank, it works here in Moscow:
Fora-Bank
Polyarnaya str., 3/1
Woscow , 127081
Phone: 7(495)(2297698)
I also found out very important thing and glad this is not late - by government rules people who receive funds from outside of Russia are taxed BUT government, veteran of war, people who were damaged by radiation of Chernobyl (in Ukraine in 1986) and some other don't have to pay tax. I talked to my uncle and he agreed to help me, he feel himself guilt that we are not able to assist ticket. He wants us be be together and live happy life. He was in association of Veteran protection and talked about that. His paper and medal about getting fight in Afganistan war he left at home so we were afraid that he can have problem but they assure it will not problem because he is veteran and named in archive.
Please, don't be mad for me but I really did everything just to let us to be together and have you in my arms at least. I am not sure but I do hope you can help with ticket. I will give you uncle name for who make transfer if you are able so I will not have problem with tax police. Uncle's name is: "ILYAS SAMEGULIN" - it should be spelled right in case in bank told it can be problem even if one letter written wrong because of high secure policy. He will get money with his passport and since regular bank system is not good developed here in Russia, Western Union is the best and easiest way and works very good! They also told you can make transfer on-line and in person in Western Union office.
On-line transfers doesn't work good here in Russia so you should go to theWestern Union office in person. I am sorry for this difficulties and feel myself not good but I really tried all my best to find out before giving you information. I think this is fate that I found out about this because if you make transfer in my name I could have problems later.
This is again full name of my uncle you should know - check it spelled right:
ILYAS SAMEGULIN
Russia
Please, write me letter as soon as possible, I need your letter as never and please, don't hate me for that. I love you very much and I didn't want any financial problems to be involved until we are in person but I am helpless now.. My uncle asked me to apologize from him.... I love you so very much Rodney and Idon't picture future without you.. Please, don't refuse me because if I refuse visa next time will me much harder and in mostly cases impossible... I need your letter tomorrow morning, please.... I am sorry this letter is mess and not happy but I am afraid... If I have funds tomorrow I will get ticket at the same day.
As for Moscow's sight, I have not had anything exciting because I concentrate for visa now..
With love and hope,
your Dan
Next comes the poignant request for 3500 Canadian after his supposed interview at the Canadian Embassy. I am beginning to smell a rat and refuse. I tell him of my doubts and offer him other options ... basically go home and save money. I tell him there are other ways we can be together.
He says he will prove he is telling the truth. I receive this email:
From: manager@odisseatravel.org
Subject: Danil Kuklinishkin's request
Date: March 16, 2007 8:15:20 AM PDT (CA)
To:
Reply-To: manager@odisseatravel.org
Hello Rodney. My name is Sergey Eduardovich Potanin and I am manager of Odissea Agency. I work with Danil Kuklinishkin directly and he asked me to contact with you and conform he is our client. I want to confirm that Danil Kuklinishkin in client of Odissea Agency and we provide everything for his visa. We provide his with tickets, passport, some other things and any consult. He had interview in Canadian Embassy 13 March 2007 year but have not got visa until he show he has funds to travel - this is 3500 Canadian dollars. WE don't practice contacting not with our clients but mr. Danil Kuklinishkin asked vert much.
regards,
Sergey Potanin
16.03.2007 г.
С наилучшими пожеланиями
Агенство Иммиграции "Odissea"
I reply, playing along ... curious about a response:
Dear Mr. Potanin,
Thank you for your email.
I spoke with the Canadian Embassy here explaining Danil's situation regarding money. The Embassy here suggested I call the Embassy in Moscow and tell them the following information:
1). I am prepared to provide Danil with food and shelter for an indefinite period of time.
2). If anything should happen to me, my roommate will continue to assist Danil.
3). I have found Danil a job at my place of employment.
This information can be verified. I will do all I can to prove what I say is true.
In order to speak to the person in charge of Danil's application I will need his file number and category. Can you send me this information?
I am very eager for Danil to establish a new life in Canada and will do all I can to help him.
I greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Rodney
No response, of course.
At this point I stumble upon antiscam.net and am HORRIFIED, STUPIFIED and sadly enlightened.
I feel a myriad of emotions and hurt is definitely at the top of the list ... this happened a few weeks ago. I feel quite the fool for love. I will have much more to say regarding this scam ... but for now, this is a start.
This is the address he gave:
Danil Kuklinishkin
Lenina street, 10 do vosrebovanija
Volzhskiy, 404130
Russia
Rodney (aka Darkpisces)
I have many letters and pictures if anyone is interested.
I have also shared this information with my MP, Hedy Fry in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Embassy in Canada, the FBI, the FSB and, of course, Western Union with whom I am still corresponding regarding this Ilyas Samegulin.
*pictures of Danil Kuklinishkin can be viewed at this address:
http://russiandetective.forumup.org/viewtopic.php?t=1724&mforum=russiandetective