In Ukraine, a fraudulent network of crypto exchangers that robbed people across the country was exposed. More than 20 searches were conducted in seven regions, and cash in various currencies totaling over UAH 20 million was seized. This was reported by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Ruslan Kravchenko, as conveyed by UNN.
Details
As the Prosecutor General reported, under the guise of a currency and crypto asset exchange service, a mechanism for seizing people's money was operating.
The scheme was disguised as a legitimate business: a website, applications, Telegram communication, confirmation codes, and exchange points in all regions. Everything was done to make people believe they were dealing with a real financial service. In reality, after handing over cash, clients received neither cryptocurrency nor a refund
He also cited a telling detail - during the documentation of the crime, network participants used the same scheme to seize UAH 50,000 within an operational purchase. That is, they did not act situationally, but according to a clear algorithm.
The mechanism was refined. After a person left an application on the website, a company manager contacted them, providing the application number, an individual confirmation code, the address of the exchange point, and other details. Then clients came to the designated exchange points and deposited funds, which were appropriated, while people received only formal explanations and delays for an indefinite period
According to the Prosecutor General, during the searches, cash in various currencies totaling over UAH 20 million was seized. Notices of suspicion are being prepared for the exposed participants of the scheme for seizing someone else's property through deception by prior conspiracy of a group of persons.
In the modern financial world, fraudsters also look "modern." But deception remains deception, even if it is disguised as a new crypto exchanger. If a person gives money and receives nothing in return, it is not a business model, but a subject of criminal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing. We are identifying everyone who ensured the operation of this platform, from the organizers to those who received funds from the victims