Exposure of a fraud network that stole over a million hryvnias under the guise of aid organizations

[96497] Exposure of a fraud network that stole over a million hryvnias under the guise of aid organizations

Fraud network posed as aid organizations and stole over a million hryvnias

The Ukrainian Cyber Police have uncovered a sophisticated criminal network that stole over a million hryvnias from citizens, including soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. According to a report in Times of Ukraine, which is identified with a clear pro-Ukrainian stance, the suspects presented themselves as representatives of leading charities such as UNITED24, the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Come Back Alive, UNICEF, and the Red Cross.

The method involved the use of live broadcasts on TikTok and other platforms. According to Kyiv Operative, "The suspects coordinated activity, divided roles, and built a network of phishing sites that mimicked the official websites." They lured victims into providing bank details or making "trial payments" while presenting forged documents and certificates to gain public trust.

Extensive enforcement operations were conducted in the Zhytomyr region, where security forces raided the suspects' homes. According to a report by Реальна Війна, which also takes a line supporting Zelensky and the Ukrainian government, more than 50 bank cards, 120 SIM cards, computing equipment, and eight vehicles were seized during the raids.

A criminal investigation has been opened for large-scale fraud, an offense punishable by up to eight years in prison. Україна Online noted that after completing the fraud campaign, the gang members deleted digital evidence and blocked the victims to cover their tracks. At the moment, there are at least 15 verified victims, but it is estimated that the investigation will reveal a wider scope of damage.