Resident of Odesa region detained on suspicion of extorting money from relatives of prisoners of war

Police officers have detained a resident of Artsyz, Odesa region, on suspicion of fraud against relatives of Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russians.

According to the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa region, the 24-year-old man found announcements in open sources about the search for missing Ukrainian soldiers and sent false messages to their relatives.

The young man assured people that their relatives were in captivity and that he could arrange a phone conversation with them for a monetary reward. He asked for 5 thousand hryvnias for his services. Gullible citizens transferred the money to the stranger's bank card, after which the stranger would come up with all sorts of reasons why the call was currently impossible and block the subscribers.

So far, police have identified six victims. The total amount of damage caused to them is UAH 30 thousand. During the search of the suspect's residence, the police seized bank cards to which the money transfers were made, a mobile phone used for correspondence, and other material evidence.

Based on the evidence collected, investigators served the young man a notice of suspicion of misappropriation of property by deception, i.e. fraud, in particular, repeated fraud. According to the sanctions of parts 1 and 2 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, he faces up to three years in prison.

In March, unidentified persons using the fake Facebook page of the head of the Bolhrad District State Administration Mykhailo Sharafanenko and messengers asked for financial assistance for the alleged purchase of equipment for the military. The fraudsters called most often via Viber, using the photo of the head of the Bolhrad District State Administration. They persuaded to transfer money for the "needs of the military" by manipulating patriotic slogans and the urgent need for equipment.

Кирило Бойко