Two brothers from Odesa cheated soldiers released from captivity

Police detained two brothers in Odesa who are suspected of embezzling funds from military personnel released from Russian captivity.

This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Oblast.

During the pre-trial investigation, the police found that the fraudsters convinced the victims that payments were to be made to their accounts, but due to technical problems, the funds were not credited. To solve the problem, the fraudsters lured one-time codes from SMS, which were used to log in to online banking and gain full control over the accounts. Investigators documented cases where a serviceman was convinced to send a bank card by mail, after which it was used to withdraw cash and purchase goods in jewelry stores, electronics retailers, grocery and alcohol supermarkets.

The suspects were not officially employed and spent the illegally obtained funds on jewelry, mobile phones, appliances, and food. In December 2024, the organizer was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with a probationary period for similar crimes, but continued his criminal activity while on probation.

Law enforcement officers conducted searches at the suspects' residences and seized mobile phones, bank cards, about UAH 200,000 in various currencies and gold jewelry purchased at the expense of the military. The two brothers were detained as a result of their actions, which caused injuries to at least 10 Ukrainian defenders.

Police investigators served the detainees with a notice of suspicion of creating and participating in a criminal organization and committing large-scale fraud by a criminal organization.

If proven guilty in court, the brothers face up to twelve years in prison with confiscation of property.

PHOTO: Police in Odesa region.

Кирило Бойко