"It has been established that since 2003, an illegal system of international money transfers, [called] Khavala, has been in operation in Moscow."
In just one month, the scheme laundered more than 400 million rubles or about $13 million.
"The scheme provided for anonymous currency exchange transactions, international transfer of funds to any country housing the Afghan diaspora and individual persons' bank accounts," the press service said.
The source specified that Khavala had accessories in Russian legal commercial banks, which covered for illegal currency export through currency exchange transactions and fake foreign economic contracts.
Law enforcement officials charged the criminal group with illegal banking activity and money laundering.
"In the course of the investigation in Moscow and the Moscow region, 30 people were questioned and undisputed evidence was obtained," the press service reported.
Investigators probed into illegal transfer of currency cases and discovered passports of Khavala leaders registered as nationals of Russia and other countries.
The police uncovered more than $200,000, illegal arms, seals and the original documents of cover-up companies, which had been used to cash in and transfer funds.
