Russia’s death benefit economy has grown into a sprawling market that feeds on families’ uncertainty over missing soldiers, according to recent investigations.
Scammers exploit the search for missing servicemen
In a controlled experiment, a reporter created a fictitious soldier using artificial intelligence and posted an advertisement in Telegram groups that cater to relatives of missing troops. Within minutes, messages arrived from self‑described “military lawyers,” tarot readers, and intermediaries promising to locate the nonexistent serviceman through closed databases or “return spells.” The responses highlighted a thriving ecosystem of fraudsters ready to profit from desperation.
The experiment confirmed what Ukrainian officials have documented since 2024. The “I Want to Find” project, run by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, recorded 200,084 inquiries about missing Russian personnel between January 2024 and June 2026. Each inquiry represents a family unsure whether a loved one is alive, captive, or dead, and many are unaware that the project exists.
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Legal routes to death certificates and compensation
A joint study by independent Russian outlets found that about 90,000 servicemen had been declared dead or missing through court proceedings despite the absence of a body. Researchers derived the figure from inheritance cases, lawsuits seeking declarations of death, and data from the Federal Chamber of Notaries. Without an official death certificate, families cannot settle estates or claim state compensation.
The same analysis placed the total number of Russian fatalities by early 2026 at roughly 352,000, with more than 80 % of court cases filed in the last two years of the conflict. Military analysts linked the surge to modern battlefield conditions—drone warfare, heavy artillery, and extensive minefields—that often prevent the recovery of bodies.
For families, the legal status of a missing soldier carries a financial dimension. While a serviceman is listed as missing, relatives receive only his regular pay. Once a court declares death, they become eligible for one‑time federal payments and regional compensation.
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That potential payout fuels a market that includes not only scammers promising secret information but also legitimate legal services.
From a practical standpoint, this dynamic creates a painful dilemma for relatives: paying for uncertain leads may be the only way to obtain the documentation needed for financial support, yet the cost adds to their grief. The pressure to secure a death certificate can push families toward unverified providers, deepening their vulnerability.
Overall, the convergence of battlefield realities, legal procedures, and substantial monetary rewards has spawned a distinct “death benefit economy” within Russia. While the state offers compensation to honor fallen soldiers, the lack of transparent mechanisms for confirming death leaves families exposed to a range of exploitative practices.