Fake QR Codes Target Crimea Fuel Supply to Fund Ukrainian Armed Forces

Amid severe fuel shortages and export bans in Russia, scammers in Crimea sold fake QR codes for gasoline, unwittingly redirecting payments to support a Ukrainian military brigade.

Fake QR Codes Sold on Crimea

Information regarding the fake QR codes was reported by the UNIAN news agency. Following failures of the QR code system used for refueling at gas stations, individuals began selling fake codes to residents of Crimea under the guise of bypassing restrictions, as detailed in a Telegram channel article.

People who paid for this access actually transferred funds to a fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing pickup trucks for the 110th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Russia Extends Gasoline Export Ban

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced on Saturday, July 25, that the gasoline export ban will be extended until the end of the year, according to Reuters.

The ban was initially announced in early April to last until the end of July. Starting in June, the Russian government banned jet fuel exports until November 30. In early July, Novak also announced a ban on diesel exports, implemented amid fuel shortages and surging prices at gas stations in certain Russian regions.

Regional Fuel Shortages and Market Situation

Novak stated in interviews with Russian media that the situation is improving, though it remains quite difficult in some regions, particularly Siberia. He added that the diesel export ban will be lifted once market conditions improve, while noting Kazakhstan can supply its surplus diesel if needed.

Fuel Crisis Driven by Drone Attacks

Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis resulting from ongoing Ukrainian long- and medium-range drone attacks on refineries and other oil and energy infrastructure. Since March, Kyiv has intensified air raids, leading to nationwide fuel shortages and temporary per-person purchase limits across various Russian regions.

The military actions of Ukrainian forces have also significantly impacted supply lines to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.