The cyber police have uncovered a group of fraudsters who were stealing cryptocurrency via fake websites
This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
Investigators from the Main Investigation Department and operatives from the Cyberpolice Department, in collaboration with the SBU’s Cyber Security Department, have exposed an organised group of fraudsters who, according to the investigation, were stealing citizens’ cryptocurrency via malicious online resources.
According to law enforcement officials, the scheme’s participants identified potential victims in themed Telegram communities and offered them “guidance” on cryptocurrency trading. The victims were then sent links to specially created websites that outwardly mimicked genuine trading platforms but contained malicious software — so-called crypto drainers.
Investigators believe that once the victims connected their digital wallets, they effectively granted the criminals access to their assets. This allowed cryptocurrency to be automatically withdrawn without further confirmation.
The National Police note that in one of the documented incidents, the suspects obtained over 95,000 USDT, equivalent to nearly 4 million UAH. In another case, according to the investigation, they appropriated a further thousand USDT.
After obtaining the virtual assets, law enforcement officials claim, the group members attempted to launder their proceeds. To this end, they carried out financial transactions, transferred funds between crypto wallets, converted the assets into cash, and concealed their source.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers carried out 20 simultaneous searches at the group members’ residences and at their office premises. In the course of the investigative actions, they seized computer equipment, mobile phones, cash, as well as draft and printed records which, according to the investigation, confirm the unlawful activity.
Four members of the organised group, including the co-organiser, have been notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — misappropriation of another person’s property by deception on a particularly large scale — and under Part 3 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — legalisation of proceeds obtained by criminal means.
The penalties under these articles provide for up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property. The issue of imposing preventive measures in the form of detention on the suspects is currently being decided. The Office of the
Prosecutor General is overseeing the proceedings in the case.
As a reminder, in Kyiv, law enforcement officers uncovered a scheme involving the illegal departure of men liable for military service abroad under the guise of being members of music bands. According to the investigation, the organiser specifically set up a sole trader business, and a ‘place in the band’ cost between 7,500 and 13,000 dollars.
