A retiree in the Kyiv region gave 13.3 million hryvnias to scammers who threatened her with criminal charges
30 October 12:58
In the Kyiv region, a 71-year-old woman lost more than 13.3 million hryvnias in savings to scammers. According to police, the criminals called her via Viber, identified themselves as security service agents, and convinced her that criminal proceedings had allegedly been opened against her for collaborating with Russia. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian"
The pensioner handed the money over to a man who identified himself as a courier and was supposed to pick it up for “verification.”
How the scammers operated
According to investigators, unknown individuals repeatedly called the woman via the Viber messaging app and posed as representatives of the security services. They told the pensioner that she was allegedly involved in a criminal case regarding collaboration with the Russian Federation.
Under the pretext of “verifying” her funds, the scammers convinced the woman to hand over her savings to a special courier. Subsequently, a 20-year-old man came to her home and took more than 13.3 million hryvnias.
The police detained him and placed him in a temporary detention facility. Law enforcement officials are identifying other participants in the scheme.
What the suspect faces
The man has been charged with aiding and abetting fraud committed on an especially large scale. The court ordered him to be held in custody as a preventive measure.
If the suspect is found guilty in court, he could face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The pretrial investigation is ongoing.
How to recognize such a scheme
If strangers call you and accuse you of a crime, demand that you keep the conversation confidential, or ask you to hand over cash to a courier, do not follow their instructions.
End the call and contact the police yourself using the official number.
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