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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The SBU and National Police uncovered an organized network of crypto fraudsters in Kyiv who were stealing up to 1 million US dollars from people each month
Cyber specialists of the Security Service, together with the National Police, dismantled a large-scale fraud scheme that involved stealing funds from the cryptocurrency wallets of citizens of European Union countries.
As a result of comprehensive actions in Kyiv, the activity of an extensive network of crypto fraudsters was exposed and stopped. The network included several dozen people who, using social engineering, psychological manipulation, and cyber technologies, tricked people into handing over money under the guise of investments on crypto exchanges.
According to the investigation, the monthly turnover of funds obtained from the illegal activity during the "best periods" could reach 1 million US dollars.
Law enforcement documented the crimes of all participants in the scheme, including the organizer of the operation. He turned out to be a 25-year-old IT specialist from Kyiv.
He involved capital-city IT specialists in the "scheme" who, posing as representatives of cryptocurrency platforms, offered clients supposedly profitable opportunities to invest in digital assets.
To find victims, the perpetrators spread messages about "profitable" crypto projects in popular Telegram channels.
To create the appearance of successful investment activity, the fraudsters showed clients fabricated trading results and examples of allegedly earned profits.
After establishing contact, victims were sent links to a fake website that imitated a legitimate cryptocurrency service.
On that online resource, users were persuaded to connect their own virtual wallet and confirm the proposed operation.
In reality, the website contained specially developed malicious code — a so-called "drainer." After the transaction was confirmed, it enabled the perpetrators to carry out unauthorized withdrawals of digital assets from the victims' crypto wallets to online addresses under their control.
In this way, members of the scheme effectively "zeroed out" their victims' crypto wallets.
During 23 searches of the offices and residences of the suspects, mobile phones and computer equipment with evidence of the "scheme" were seized. Money likely obtained by criminal means and 16 premium-class cars, including Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, were also found.
The question of notifying the perpetrators of suspicion is currently being decided.
The investigation continues to bring all participants in the operation to justice. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
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