A group suspected of cryptocurrency fraud has been exposed in Vinnytsia Oblast. According to the regional police, the attackers created several Telegram channels where they published false information about "profitable exchange" and allegedly checked the legality of cryptocurrency. Under this pretext, they convinced people to transfer digital assets to them, after which they simply appropriated the funds.
Among the victims is a German citizen. According to the investigation, the suspects took possession of crypto assets worth 60,000 USDT from him. This is equivalent to approximately 60,000 US dollars or about 2.5 million hryvnias.
During searches at the addresses of the suspects and in their cars, law enforcement officers seized almost $60,000 in cash, 48,000 hryvnias, two cars, computer equipment, bank cards, SIM cards, and draft notes. All of this has been included as evidence.
Investigators have already announced suspicions under several articles: parts 3 and 5 of article 190 of the Criminal Code (fraud on an especially large scale, committed by a group of persons) and part 2 of article 361 (unauthorized interference in the operation of information systems). The maximum penalty under these articles is up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The suspects were remanded in custody as a preventive measure. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
