Lviv region exposes criminal organisation that seized about UAH 800 thousand of citizens’ money via phishing websites
Under the procedural supervision of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office and the Halych District Prosecutor’s Office of Lviv, six members of the criminal organisation were served a notice of suspicion of fraud (Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and four of them were charged with aiding in unauthorised interference with the operation of information (automated), electronic communication, information and communication systems, electronic communication networks (Part 2 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). In addition, one man is charged with creating and leading a criminal organisation (Part 1 of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), and the other accomplices are charged with participation in a criminal organisation (Part 2 of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the investigation, the resident of Lviv, involving five acquaintances, organised a fraudulent scheme to obtain money from citizens. In particular, they used so-called phishing websites that were distributed in messengers and social networks.
They communicated through a chat room they created on Telegram.
The victims were offered to receive alleged financial assistance from the state and a well-known charity fund, provided that they entered personal data for authorisation in the user’s online banking.
However, in reality, the victims were redirected to fake websites that imitated the websites of official financial institutions, where they entered bank card numbers, passwords, and logins to their accounts.
In this way, they gained access to bank accounts, which allowed them to transfer money to accounts controlled by the suspects. The money was then used to buy cryptocurrency.
According to preliminary estimates, the victims suffered about UAH 800 thousand in losses.
The offenders were detained in accordance with Art. 208 of the CPC of Ukraine.
Following searches at their residences, law enforcement officers found and seized computer equipment, mobile phones and other material evidence. Accounts and a premium car were also seized.
The investigation is ongoing. All involved persons and other possible victims are being identified.
The pre-trial investigation is being carried out by investigators of the Lviv District Department No. 1 of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Lviv Region, with operational support provided by the Prosecutor’s Office in Lviv Region of the Cyber Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine.
Note: In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person shall be presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict of guilty.
Information Policy Department
of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office