The SSU and the National Police have exposed hackers who created a fake ‘Reserve+’ app for draft dodgers
Cyber experts from the Security Service of Ukraine and the Cyberpolice Department of the National Police carried out a large-scale special operation in Kyiv, Rivne and Cherkasy. As a result, law enforcement officers dismantled a hacker group that had created a fake version of the ‘Reserve+’ mobile app.
The investigation established that the cloned app completely mimicked the official service of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine in appearance. The suspects also created a bot in one of the messaging apps, through which they entered data on users’ military registration status into the fake programme.
In the fake online portal, those liable for military service could independently change their account details and add information regarding deferrals from conscription. They would then present the forged electronic documents to staff at the Territorial Recruitment Centres and the National Police during checks.
Access to the fake application was subject to a fee. According to the investigation, the cost of use depended on the duration of access and ranged from 1,200 to 5,000 hryvnias. The suspects received payments into bank accounts and crypto wallets under their control.
Law enforcement officers documented that over 4,000 users had logged into the fake service in an attempt to avoid mobilisation.
During searches of the group members’ homes in Kyiv, Rivne and Cherkasy, computer equipment, mobile phones, USB sticks, bank cards, SIM cards and other evidence of unlawful activity were seized. At the same time, law enforcement officers blocked the fake app.
Two detainees have now been notified that they are suspected of offences under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These include obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a state of emergency, as well as the forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, and the distribution or use of forged documents, committed by a group of individuals acting in concert.
A pre-trial investigation is ongoing to identify all members of the criminal group. The suspects face up to 8 years’ imprisonment.
Comprehensive measures were carried out jointly with the SBU Directorate in Cherkasy Oblast and the Cyberpolice Department of the National Police of Ukraine, under the procedural supervision of the Cherkasy Oblast Prosecutor’s Office.
