Fraudsters embezzled 50 million in donations for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

According to the National Police of Ukraine, the main organiser of the criminal group that defrauded citizens sending funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been placed on the international wanted list. 

The Interpol General Secretariat has already added this suspect to its wanted lists. She faces a lengthy prison sentence, which could reach up to 12 years, along with the confiscation of property, for her actions.

Criminal scheme and its victims

In February 2024, officers of the Criminal Investigation Department and investigators of the National Police exposed a criminal group that defrauded people wishing to help Ukrainian soldiers. The fraudsters collected over 50 million hryvnia under the guise of selling drones and components for the army. Victims included citizens of various ages and professions who transferred money for "drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine".

Fraudsters created an illusion of honesty

The criminals attracted victims by promising favourable prices, which were 20-25% lower than market rates. To build trust, they fulfilled several initial orders before ceasing deliveries. Payments for goods were made through various methods: cash, bank cards, crypto wallets, and accounts of controlled companies. The proceeds were laundered through fictitious transactions involving auto parts, textiles, and tourism services.

Evidence seized and property arrested

During searches in Kyiv, Odesa and Volyn regions, law enforcement officers seized physical evidence of criminal activity. Additionally, property belonging to the suspects worth over 4.5 million hryvnia was seized. Furthermore, over 28.6 million hryvnia has been frozen in the criminals' bank accounts.

Organisers with a criminal past

The investigation established that the main organisers of the fraud scheme are two women who had previously been prosecuted for similar crimes. One of them is charged in a case involving the non-delivery of 40 Starlink satellite devices, while the other is charged with selling counterfeit fuel vouchers. This time, they defrauded over 600 people by failing to deliver the necessary drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Court proceedings and international wanted status

The organiser and her accomplices are charged with fraud on a massive scale and the laundering of proceeds from crime. The pre-trial investigation into the case of one of the organisers has been completed, and the materials have been transferred to the court. The main criminal, who is hiding outside Ukraine, has been placed on the international wanted list via Interpol.