Investors defrauded for hundreds of thousands of dollars: Vinex Trade financial pyramid scheme exposed in Odesa region - National Police. PHOTOS
In Odesa region, law enforcement officers uncovered a financial scam in which organisers lured money from citizens under the guise of investment.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to the press service of the National Police.
Cyberpolice and investigators found that a 28-year-old resident of Bereziv, together with two accomplices, created a fictitious company that was allegedly engaged in investment activities. At first, it operated under the name "VinEco", and later - "Vinex Trade".
It was established that the fraudsters offered citizens to invest money at high interest rates and promised a guaranteed return. Those who attracted new "investors" received additional payments. In order to create the illusion of a successful business, the organisers initially paid out minimal amounts at the expense of new investors.
The National Police notes that the scam was active in 2022-2024. During this time, hundreds of people lost tens of thousands of dollars. At least seven victims are known to have lost more than $200,000 in total.
Law enforcement officers conducted searches in Odesa and Kyiv regions, seizing equipment, documents, phones, money and cars.
The three detainees were served a notice of suspicion under Art. 190 (2, 4, 5) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - of misappropriation of property by deception (fraud in large and especially large amounts). They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
