In recent months, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has received numerous complaints regarding a financial fraud scheme operating under the name "Any Unboxing." The platform, which functioned as a "Ponzi" scheme, targeted citizens by promising unrealistic returns on virtual investments, according to the Operative Information Center-OMM.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the organizers of the pyramid used online groups to recruit participants. Victims were persuaded to purchase "virtual boxes" for various amounts, with the promise that opening these boxes daily would generate significant income. Although the "Any Unboxing" application displayed virtual earnings in user profiles, these figures lacked any real economic basis and could not be cashed out. Furthermore, the scheme incentivized members to recruit others through bonus promises. Investigations indicate that over 300 citizens were defrauded by this operation.
Technical and operational measures conducted by the MIA's Main Department for Combating Cybercrime revealed that the pyramid was organized within Azerbaijan by Malaysian citizens Lee Kai Fatt (38) and Ravi Sivadass (34). The promotion and recruitment efforts were facilitated by Arzu Musayeva (34) and Sabuhi Mammadov (30). Following the operation, R. Sivadass, A. Musayeva, and S. Mammadov were detained. An international search has been declared for the remaining suspect, Lee Kai Fatt.
Preliminary investigations estimate the total financial damage to victims at approximately 2.5 million manats. Authorities noted that the number of victims and the total amount of damages may increase as the investigation proceeds. A criminal case has been initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and the detained individuals have been charged. The investigation is ongoing.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs once again urges citizens to exercise caution and avoid engaging with online platforms that promise unrealistic profits or lack a transparent economic foundation, specifically warning against "Any Unboxing"-style fraudulent applications.
