In Lviv, three local residents have been notified that they are suspected of defrauding a 39-year-old widow of a serviceman who was killed in October 2024 while defending Ukraine.
According to the investigation, three Lviv residents, acquaintances of the woman, offered to help her arrange payments in connection with her husband’s death, in particular by submitting documents to the RTCC and SP and opening a bank account. One of the suspects, a 68-year-old Lviv resident, installed the woman’s “financial” SIM card in his own phone, which allowed him to monitor incoming funds and later, according to the investigation, the accomplices deceitfully obtained possession of her bank card as well.
To maintain her trust, the acquaintances showed concern: they helped with everyday matters and bought groceries. Investigators believe they planned to obtain all payments due to the widow – both the serviceman’s monetary allowance and the funds payable in connection with his death. Initially, the suspects received part of the payments, and then were expecting around UAH 15 million to be credited to the account. However, the woman died before these funds were transferred.
After the widow’s death, according to the investigation, the suspects tried to mislead the serviceman’s son and his mother. They claimed that the deceased had allegedly worked as a cleaner for one of the accomplices, was suspected of stealing gold and had debts, and they were ready to provide IOUs for the supposed loans. They failed to track down the son, and the serviceman’s mother became suspicious and refused to recognise such claims. As a result, the payments in connection with the defender’s death were distributed among the lawful recipients – his mother and his son.
Under the procedural guidance of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, all three individuals have been notified that they are suspected of large-scale fraud committed by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy under martial law (Part 2 of Article 15 – Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the prosecutor’s office, for two of the suspects – a 53-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman – this is not the first fraud allegation. Last year, according to the investigation, they organised a “flat scheme” and, using a forged power of attorney authorising them to represent the interests of the owner of a one-room flat in Lviv, fraudulently took possession of this property. In February this year, they and three accomplices were notified that they are suspected under Part 5 of Article 190 and Part 2 of Article 28 – Part 4 of Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
“Profiting from the grief of a family that has given what is most precious for the sake of defending the country is cynicism that cannot be justified. Especially when it concerns people who were trusted. We once again urge the families of servicemen to be cautious when arranging payments and not to give third parties access to bank accounts or documents,” commented the prosecutor in the proceedings, Bohdan Vaskiv.
Investigative actions are ongoing. The possible involvement of the suspects in other criminal offences related to fraudulent misappropriation of property, as well as other potential victims, is being established. The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Main Department of the National Police in Lviv Region, with operational support provided by the Strategic Investigations Department in Lviv Region of the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine.
We remind you that, in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and may not be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt has been proven in the manner prescribed by law and established by a guilty verdict of a court.