Black Widow Scam In Russia: Wartime Brides Honey-Trapping Soldiers For Millions After Their Death?

A shocking ‘Black Widows’ controversy has emerged in Russia, where women are accused of marrying soldiers before war deployment and claiming millions in death benefits after they are killed.

Post Published By: Ayushi Bisht

Updated : 6 August 2026, 9:48 AM IST

Women Accused Of Honey-Trapping Russian Troops (Img: X)

New Delhi: A controversial trend dubbed the “Black Widows” scam has sparked concern in Russia, with allegations that some women are marrying military recruits shortly before they are deployed to the Ukraine war and later claiming compensation after their deaths.

The issue has gained attention after families of fallen soldiers alleged that they were denied benefits because newly married partners became the legal next of kin.

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Families Claim Soldiers Were Targeted Before Going to War

One such case involves Maria, whose 59-year-old father Yury was killed after being deployed in the Ukraine conflict. She claimed she was shocked to learn that her father had married a woman just two days before leaving for war.

According to reports, the woman, who was significantly younger than Yury, became his official next of kin and was eligible to receive government compensation. Maria said she had never met or even heard about the woman before, raising suspicions over the sudden marriage.

How Does the Alleged Scam Work?

Under Russian military rules, families of soldiers killed in combat can receive large financial compensation. Reports suggest payments can reach millions of rubles, creating concerns that some individuals may be exploiting the system.

Authorities and Russian media have used the term “black widows” for women accused of marrying vulnerable soldiers and later claiming death benefits while excluding their original families.

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Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Compensation Abuse

The issue has become serious enough for Russian lawmakers to discuss possible misuse of military compensation schemes. Several reports have claimed that some soldiers were allegedly pressured into marriage shortly before deployment or during medical treatment.

In one reported case, a military hospital nurse faced allegations of marrying multiple soldiers before claiming benefits after their deaths. The controversy comes amid continued fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Recent Russian strikes on Kyiv have further escalated tensions, with casualties reported and Ukraine again seeking additional air defence support from allies.