The National Police of Ukraine reported the extradition from the United Arab Emirates of a woman who organized a large-scale fraudulent scheme under the guise of a charitable collection for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The investigation established that she, together with accomplices, created a financial pyramid that operated in 2023 and caused losses of at least 50 million hryvnias.
The fraudsters promised drone deliveries, but instead sent fake invoices, forged warranty letters, and justified delays with fabricated logistical difficulties. As a result, dozens of volunteers, charitable foundations, IT companies, and thousands of Ukrainians who wanted to help the army suffered.
“ These are over 600 drones that could work on the front lines ,” the National Police note.
The scheme was exposed in February 2024. The group members were charged with fraud and money laundering in particularly large amounts. The suspects created a network of companies and accounts, worked with cryptocurrency, and at the start did indeed carry out individual orders to gain trust.
Law enforcement officers documented 99 episodes of criminal activity. In addition to the drone scam, other cases were identified, including the sale of non-existent Starlink terminals during blackouts and fake fuel coupons during periods of shortage.
The following property has been seized:
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6 cars,
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3 apartments,
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more than 25 bank accounts,
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16 crypto wallets.
The total amount of seized assets exceeds 20 million hryvnias.
The organizer of the scam is currently in custody. She faces up to 12 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.
