— Then it’s more complicated, but not hopeless. The deal can be contested in court by proving the documents are fake. But it’s better not to let it get to that. Second, we need to file a police report. You have these documents as evidence. This is attempted fraud. Third, I recommend you place an encumbrance on the apartment. That is, make it impossible to sell without your personal presence.
— How do I do that?
— Through the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr). We file an application to prohibit registration actions. It’s done quickly, within a day. After that, no one can sell or gift the apartment without your consent.
Anna listened and felt not only anger but also determination growing inside her. She would not be deceived. She would not let this man, whom she considered her husband, destroy her entire life.
— Let’s do everything you said. Right now.
Olga nodded, picked up her phone, and quickly dialed a number.
— Hello, Marina Sergeevna? This is Morozova. I have an urgent client, we need to formalize a revocation of power of attorney and a prohibition on real estate registration actions. Can you see us within the hour? Excellent. Thank you.
She hung up and looked at Anna.
— Let’s go. The notary will see us in 40 minutes. On the way, we’ll stop by Rosreestr; you can file the application electronically if you have an electronic signature. If not, we’ll do it on the spot, it’s quick.
They left the office and got into Olga’s car. As they drove, Anna took out her phone again. Three more missed calls from Igor and two messages: “Anya, why aren’t you answering?” and “Call me when you land.”
— Don’t answer him yet, — Olga said, noticing her glance. — Let him think you’re on the plane, that there’s no service. The longer he’s in the dark, the better for us. If he finds out you’re back, he might try to do something.
— What can he do?
— Destroy documents, try to speed up the deal, pressure the notary. Who knows. When people feel they’ve been caught, they can be unpredictable.
They arrived at the Rosreestr building. Olga quickly guided Anna through all the necessary procedures. They set up an electronic signature and filled out the application to prohibit registration actions on the apartment. It all took about forty minutes.
— The application has been accepted, — said the Rosreestr employee, typing something on his computer. — It will be processed within three working days, but the prohibition effectively starts from the moment the application is submitted. So, as of now, no one can complete a transaction with your apartment without your personal presence and consent.
Anna felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. At least something was done. Some protection was in place. The next stop was the notary. Marina Sergeevna, a stout woman in her sixties with a kind face, met them in her office.
— Alright, let’s sort this out. You want to revoke a power of attorney?
— I want to make a statement that I have never issued a power of attorney in my name, — Anna said, handing over the documents. — And if anyone tries to present such a power of attorney — it’s a forgery.
The notary put on her glasses and examined the papers. Her face grew serious.
— This is indeed a forgery. The signature is wrong, and the seal… This is not my seal. I don’t use ones like this. Someone tried to fabricate a document. Will you be filing a police report?
— Yes, we’re going there next.
— Good. Then I will make an official statement that this power of attorney is invalid, was not notarized in my office, and I will enter a record into the registry. I will also send information to all notary offices in the city that forged documents may be attempted to be used in your name.
The notary quickly typed up the statement, Anna signed it, and she affixed her seal.
— That’s it. Now, if your husband or anyone else tries to use this power of attorney, any notary will see in the database that it is invalid.
They left the notary’s office, and Olga looked at her watch.
— It’s three o’clock. The police station is open. Let’s go file the report.
At the police station, a young lieutenant with a tired face took their statement. He listened, nodded, and began to fill out a report.
— Alright. Attempted fraud, forgery of documents. You write a statement, attach copies of these documents, and we will begin an investigation. We will summon your husband for questioning, and order an expert examination. If it is confirmed that the signature is forged, we will open a criminal case.
— How quickly will that happen? — Anna asked.
— The initial check takes up to 10 days. But the attempted crime is evident, so I think a case will be opened. Then it’s investigation, court. It could drag on for a month.
— Months… — Anna repeated tiredly. She felt emotional exhaustion washing over her. Too many events in one day.
They left the police station just after five o’clock. The sun was setting, and streetlights were beginning to come on.
— What now? — Anna asked. — Do I go back home?
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