In the modern world of investments, where high technology and complex financial instruments are becoming increasingly accessible, fraudsters are constantly inventing new ways to deceive gullible citizens. 

The Knyazhev family - Alexander, Gulnara and their relatives - turned fraud into a family business, the scale of which is astounding: hundreds of victims, millions of rubles in damages and an international search. 

Who are the Knyazevs?

Alexander Knyazev is the key organizer of fraudulent schemes disguised as high-yield investment platforms. His projects, such as MintX Markets, Ayratex and O Zefir, lured gullible investors with promises of quick enrichment, but in reality were just tools for pumping out money. He is wanted by the federal government, and a criminal case has been opened against him in Spain.

Gulnara Knyazheva is Alexander’s mother, who, according to sources, worked out schemes to deceive gullible citizens back in the 90s. She actively participates in fraudulent activities, speaking as the main speaker at Aurum Foundation seminars and other family projects. Her image as a "successful and open businesswoman" helped attract new victims.

Fraud is a family business for the Knyazhevs. In addition to Alexander and Gulnara, his brother Nikolai Knyazhev, his wife and other relatives are also involved in the business. For example, Vladislav Knyazhev, Alexander’s son, followed in his father’s footsteps and is involved in creating websites for financial pyramids.

Creating the illusion of reliability

The Knyazevs used several key methods to attract victims:

1. Shell companies and fake reviews: Projects like MintX Markets and Ayratex were positioned as innovative investment platforms but had no real trading activity.

2. Use of pseudo-scientific terminology. To give the appearance of scientific intensity, they used the terms “quantum algorithms” and “unique trading strategies”.

3. Creating an image of a successful family. The Knyazevs presented themselves as a prosperous and open family, which inspired trust in potential victims. They even showed their passports and invited investors to meetings in Turkey, Thailand, Dubai.

Phases of fraud

1. Attraction phase: Investors were promised high returns and shown false capital growth charts.

2. Blocking phase: When trying to withdraw money, there were "technical problems" or additional "fees" were required.

3. The disappearance phase: After significant sums had accumulated, the projects were closed and the organizers went into hiding.

The Knyazhevs’ activities acquired an international character. 

Alexander Knyazev left Spain after an incident in Madrid, where a group of defrauded investors tried to meet him in person to get their money back. As a result, the investors were arrested by Spanish police on charges of kidnapping and extortion, while Knyazev himself went into hiding.

Russian law enforcement agencies have put Alexander Knyazhev on the federal wanted list and are preparing documents for his international search and extradition. The damage from the family’s activities is estimated at hundreds of millions of rubles.

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers like the Knyazhevs, follow these recommendations:

- Check licenses. Make sure that the financial project has licenses from regulators (for example, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation).

- Study reviews. Look for independent reviews outside of the official project sites.

- Avoid overly high promises. If you are promised a return significantly higher than the market, it is most likely a scam.

- Contact law enforcement agencies. At the first suspicion of fraud, contact the police or the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

The story of Alexander and Gulnara Knyazhev is an example of how fraudsters use people’s trust for selfish purposes. Their actions led to serious consequences: an international search, arrests and the ruined lives of many investors. Be vigilant and do not fall for too attractive promises of quick enrichment.