The National Commission issues a warning about “investor” Voitenko: doctored photos and fake licenses
26 May 10:47
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission has warned Ukrainians about a possible fraudulent scheme linked to Taras Voitenko and the entity PJSC “Voitenko-Invest Project.” This is stated in a press release from the Commission, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The NSSMC stated that it has received complaints regarding the activities of Taras Voitenko and the related entity PJSC “Voitenko-Invest Project.” According to the complainants, he may present himself as an investor or a licensed trader and offer to have people transfer funds ostensibly for investment purposes.
The regulator emphasizes: before transferring money to any individual or company for investment purposes, it is essential to verify the existence of a license, permits, and the right to provide financial or investment services in Ukraine.
Documents resembling licenses and fake photos
According to the Commission, on Telegram channels, Voitenko may display documents resembling NSSMC licenses. Photos purportedly featuring National Commission Chairman Oleksiy Semenyuk and Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko were also circulated.
The NSSMC officially stated that no such meetings took place and that the images are fake. The regulator also noted that neither Voitenko himself nor any entities associated with him hold licenses, permits, or approvals from the Commission.
Does “Voitenko-Invest Project” have the right to provide investment services?
The National Commission emphasized that it had verified the information regarding Taras Voitenko and PJSC “Voitenko-Invest Project.” According to the regulator’s conclusion, neither he personally nor the aforementioned entity has the right to provide investment or financial services in Ukraine.
This means that citizens should exercise extreme caution regarding any offers of “quick profits,” “guaranteed payouts,” or “risk-free investments” if they are promoted by unauthorized individuals.
How such investment schemes work
Financial fraudsters often use similar tactics. They may call themselves traders, investors, financial advisors, or representatives of investment companies. To appear credible, the scammers show supposed licenses, certificates, screenshots of profits, customer reviews, or photos with officials.
Potential victims may be promised:
- quick and guaranteed profits;
- high returns in a short time;
- minimal risks;
- “exclusive access” to investments;
- refunds after an additional payment;
- bonuses for referring others.
In reality, such schemes are often designed to get money from a person and then demand new payments or simply disappear.
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Why it’s important to check licenses
In Ukraine, financial and investment services may only be provided by companies and individuals who hold the appropriate permits and operate within the legal framework. If a person or entity does not have a license, the investor has virtually no guarantee that their funds will be protected.
The NSSMC advises Ukrainians to carefully verify information about companies and individuals offering investment opportunities. This is especially important if the offer comes via Telegram, social media, private messages, or advertisements.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraudulent Investors
To avoid losing money, it is important to follow a few financial safety rules.
Before transferring funds, you should verify whether the company or individual is authorized to provide investment services. You should also pay attention to the legal entity’s name, registration details, licenses, official website, contact information, and the availability of information in government registries.
Do not rely solely on screenshots, photos of documents, or messages in messengers. It is easy to forge visual materials today, so the main proof should not be an image, but official information from the regulator.
What to do if you’ve already transferred money
If you have already transferred funds to a person or company you now suspect, you should save all evidence: correspondence, account numbers, receipts, screenshots, links to channels, contracts, or other documents.
After that, you should contact law enforcement and notify the regulator. The more evidence you gather, the easier it will be to establish the facts and investigate the activities of those who raised funds.
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