Mykolaiv region police expose fraudulent scheme with agricultural machinery

In Mykolaiv region, a fraudster selling equipment that did not exist was exposed. He misappropriated funds from gullible users of online platforms through fake ads.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police in Mykolaiv region.

In Voznesensk, police exposed a 26-year-old man serving a prison sentence on suspicion of online fraud. He posted ads on popular marketplaces for the sale of tractors that did not actually exist. In this way, the offender embezzled almost UAH 100 thousand from gullible buyers.

During the pre-trial investigation, the police found out that the man had been serving a sentence since 2018 and had planned a scheme to make illegal money. He created fake ads for the sale of tractors and posted them on online platforms. The fraudster used his relatives' bank card information to make payments via online banking. The buyers transferred money allegedly for the delivery of the equipment, after which the connection with the pseudo-seller was immediately cut off.

During an authorized search in the colony, the police seized a cell phone and several SIM cards that the man used in his fraudulent activities.

The police proved his involvement in four facts of fraud. Currently, investigators under the procedural supervision of the Voznesensk District Prosecutor 's Office have served the suspect a notice of committing crimes under Part 2 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine "Fraud committed repeatedly". This article provides for up to three years in prison. Law enforcement officers are also checking whether the offender could have committed similar crimes before.

Also in August, in Odesa, a man organized a fake crypto business and defrauded investors he knew of more than UAH 42 million. The investigation is complete, and he faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Анна Бальчінос