MOSCOW, September 5 (RAPSI) - Effectiveness of investigations into fraud criminal cases is declining, according to Russia’s business ombudsman Boris Titov.

Statistically, in the first half of 2019, 157,297 fraud cases were pending in investigative bodies, 5.32% more than a year earlier. However, the number of suspended cases over fraud increased by 6.05%, while the amount of completed cases downed by 3.42%. Thus, the number of the so-called cold fraud cases is rising, the ombudsman said at the Eastern Economic Forum.

About 85% cases are being opened against entrepreneurs over fraud as this article of the Russian Criminal Code may be applied wherever possible, he added.

Titov believes that certain amendments to legislation are needed to improve the situation.