A group of fraudsters in Ukraine, posing as police officers, extorted $250,000 in USDT from a businessman by threatening false criminal charges.
Fraud Scheme
According to a press release from the National Police of Ukraine on September 2, a 20-year-old online business owner reported to authorities in May that he was coerced by men pretending to be police officers. The impostors intimidated him with false accusations of collaborating with Russia and threatened him with long-term imprisonment on fabricated charges of state treason. The extortionists offered to 'resolve' the fake case for $250,000, leading the victim to transfer the amount in USDT to their crypto wallet.
Coordinated Raids in Kyiv
A coordinated investigation by the Kyiv National Police and the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office identified four suspects residing in Kyiv and the surrounding region. During simultaneous raids on the suspects' homes, vehicles, and other assets, items seized included bank cards, computers, mobile phones, luxury vehicles, counterfeit press credentials, ammunition, and nearly $8,600 in cash. The suspects now face charges that could result in up to 12 years imprisonment and the confiscation of their property.
Other Fraud Cases
In mid-August, the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine charged a well-known Ukrainian blogger with evading over $5 million in taxes through a complex scheme involving cryptocurrency transactions. The blogger, known for his activities in web traffic arbitration and affiliate marketing, allegedly used a sophisticated operation to conceal substantial income from various online sectors, including gambling, dating, betting, and health products.
Cases of cryptocurrency-related fraud in Ukraine are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, highlighting the need for stricter control and security measures in this field.
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