Police detain cryptocurrency fraudsters who cheated EU citizens out of money
4 June 2024 14:41
Ukraine has uncovered a group of fraudsters who were luring money from EU citizens under the guise of investing in crypto assets. This was stated by the first deputy head of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office Andriy Svatok, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The police detained 2 organisers, including a confidant of the “thief in law” nicknamed “Khmelo”, and 12 participants.
The essence of the scheme was that the defendants posed as developers of various crypto assets.
The criminals lured money from EU investors, promising them high profits in the future, Svatok said.
According to him, the defendants imitated the appearance of capital growth, thereby encouraging victims to transfer ever larger amounts.
Svatok did not disclose the exact amount of losses. In the publication, he noted that it was “millions of hryvnias”. The number of victims of this scheme is unknown.
The investigation into the case is ongoing. The detainees were served with a notice of suspicion of fraud and, depending on their role and participation, are charged with creating, leading and participating in a criminal organisation (Article 28(4), Article 190(4), Article 255(1), 255(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
