Mykolaiv region: activity of fraudulent group terminated

Under the procedural supervision of Mykolaiv regional prosecutors, a criminal group of convicts from one of the region's penal institutions organized an illegal scheme to enrich themselves by deceiving citizens.

This was reported by the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

The fraudsters monitored websites with ads for the sale of real estate or fuel at low prices, then called the sellers, posing as officials, and under the pretext of quick paperwork through proxies, extorted money for allegedly evaluating land and houses.

In addition, the convicts found buyers of fuel in large quantities and introduced themselves over the phone as employees of gas stations, promising favorable conditions. Citizens transferred money, after which any communication with the fraudsters was cut off. In total, the criminals received over UAH 800 thousand through this scheme. So far, the investigation has recorded 36 episodes of illegal actions of the group.

Two people were served a notice of suspicion of incitement and aiding and abetting the seizure of another's property by deception (fraud), committed repeatedly, by prior conspiracy by a group of persons, in large amounts (Art. 27(4), Art. 27(5) of the Criminal Code). 4, Part 5 of Article 27, Part 4 of Article 190, Part 2 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), and three more - in the misappropriation of another's property by deception (fraud), committed repeatedly, by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 2 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

During the searches, the SBU seized mobile phones, routers, SIM cards, bank cards and financial transaction records. Those involved face up to eight years in prison. The pre-trial investigation is carried out by investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Mykolaiv region, with operational support from the State Investigation Department in Mykolaiv region and the State Bureau of Internal Affairs.

Катерина Глушко