Kyiv Oblast police have exposed a group of individuals who were defrauding citizens by posing as “assistants of famous psychics.” The criminals were selling people “magical” items, promising to solve life’s problems and protect them from adversity.
The investigation established that the fraudsters acted according to a clearly thought-out scheme. They contacted gullible citizens, convincing them of the "magical power" of their products. In conversations, the suspects used psychological pressure and manipulation to create the impression of a real "magical intervention."
The organizers involved minors in their activities, who helped in communicating with potential buyers. Thus, the fraudsters sold "esoteric" items supposedly from famous "psychics", assuring that they bring good luck, cure or protect from evil.
Law enforcement officers conducted 23 authorized searches in six regions — Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Lviv, Odessa, and Kharkiv. As a result of the investigative actions, mobile phones, bank cards, draft notes, and items that could be used in the criminal scheme were seized.
Two members of the group have already been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - fraud committed by a group of persons under martial law. Three more persons have been declared suspicious in absentia. Currently, a pre-trial investigation and identification of all victims are underway.
