"The police found out that a criminal group set up an online store and a call center, which took orders, told [the clients] about payment methods and confirmed the shipping address. [After] receiving a 100 percent pre-payment for tickets worth from 20,000 to 60,000 rubles each [around $320 and $960 respectively] they fell silent" Volk said.

Following raids on the offices of the suspected perpetrators, police officers confiscated computers, cell phones and fake contracts for selling World Cup tickets. The website used by the suspects was subsequently shut down.

Earlier on Tuesday, FIFA filed a criminal complaint against Geneva-based website Viagogo for selling tickets for the FIFA World Cup matches in Russia.

World football's governing body pointed out its official website was the only legitimate source where supporters could purchase tickets for World Cup matches.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15 with the games set to take place at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the country.