Volodymyr Filippov and “Southern Path”: how an Odesa car sales scheme turned into a new scam under the Iron Motors brand in Moldova

The group from Odesa, believed to be led by Volodymyr Filippov and under investigation for deceiving clients in transactions involving U.S. used cars, reportedly re-registered its operations in Moldova to legitimize its earnings.

For a long time, there was a private enterprise "Pivdennyi Shlyakh" in Odesa, which was registered under Volodymyr Filippov.

Mr. Filippov launched a scheme that was popular until 2022 for selling used cars from the USA "turnkey." However, some clients never received their cars. They were initially promised clearly understated prices for luxury cars, but then the payment amount gradually increased, starting with additional fees, increased customs tariffs, and other services.

Let’s consider two examples. One of the clients transferred parts of the amount to the company (auto_rider.usa) totaling $15,000 and started waiting for the car to be cleared. The money was sent to the account of a manager of the private enterprise "Pivdennyi Shlyakh" named Maksym. However, the vehicle never arrived for the buyer. Filippov himself claimed in correspondence with the client that the company did not receive the funds, although he himself signed all the documents.

Another client ordered a Mercedes C 300 4MATIC (2017) "turnkey" for $16,000. The money was also transferred to the private accounts of Filippov’s managers: Maksym and Serhiy. After payment, the woman was given a condition: either she makes additional payments, or she does not receive the car. After her refusal, the car was sold to another person at full price. In November of last year, the Odesa police opened case No. 12024162480001307 under Part 3 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code (fraud): appropriation of $9,140 and 132,500 UAH. However, law enforcement does not bother Filippov himself. Currently, he and his wife Tamara (Tamara Filippova), whom he relocated with relatives to Moldova, live better than before.

After fleeing to Moldova, Volodymyr Filippov left the private enterprise "Pivdennyi Shlyakh" with debts, and now works under the brand "Iron Motors" in Moldova.

All schemes have been transferred to the LLC "Iron Motors," which is registered at the same address as the private enterprise "Pivdennyi Shlyakh" (Odesa, Lustdorf Road, building 90-g, office 239), although it is promoted in its advertising as a company from Moldova. The same managers who were in Odesa work there.

Currently, participants in the scheme offer trusting clients to save 30-60% on the cost of a car by using their services. The office of IRON MOTORS is now located in the TORO BUSINESS CENTER at Strada Pantelimon Halippa, 6 (tel. +373 (79) 00-92-77).