Ukraine faces a surge in fraud cases, with law enforcement uncovering complex scams ranging from fake drone sales to illegal property seizures. Recent incidents reveal fraudsters swindling millions under various pretexts, including investment, charity, and defense procurement. Notably, a Kyiv resident was exposed for defrauding a volunteer of $30,000 using non-existent drone sales. Additionally, several large-scale operations involve international collaboration to dismantle fake investment platforms deceiving foreign citizens. The authorities' relentless efforts are crucial in fighting organized crime and protecting victims, especially amid ongoing challenges in Ukraine's socio-economic landscape.
How prevalent is financial fraud in Ukraine?
Financial fraud in Ukraine is alarmingly prevalent, encompassing a wide range of schemes. Recent reports highlight numerous cases involving fake investments, embezzlement, and property fraud, often targeting vulnerable groups and exploiting legal loopholes.
What are common fraud schemes in Ukraine?
Common fraud schemes in Ukraine include fake investments, fraudulent sales of goods like drones and cars, and embezzlement of public funds. Additionally, scammers pose as officials or charities to extract money from unsuspecting citizens and foreigners.
What measures are being taken to combat fraud in Ukraine?
Ukrainian authorities are intensifying efforts to combat fraud through specialized law enforcement units and international cooperation. Regular crackdowns, legal reforms, and investigations aim to dismantle criminal networks and prosecute offenders effectively.
How do international partnerships help fight fraud in Ukraine?
International partnerships play a crucial role in tackling fraud in Ukraine. By collaborating with global law enforcement agencies, Ukrainian authorities can exchange intelligence, conduct joint operations, and expose transnational fraud schemes targeting multiple countries.
What are recent examples of fraud involving military resources in Ukraine?
Recent examples of fraud involving military resources in Ukraine include schemes to sell non-existent UAVs, embezzling funds meant for defense procurement, and faux charity drives. These scams often exploit shortages in defense supply amid the ongoing conflict.
How can Ukrainian citizens protect themselves from fraud?
Ukrainian citizens can protect themselves from fraud by staying informed about common scams, verifying the legitimacy of organizations and offers, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities. Awareness campaigns and legal literacy initiatives also help deter potential victims.
Are there any legal consequences for fraudsters in Ukraine?
Yes, fraudsters in Ukraine face significant legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and asset seizure. The legal system prosecutes offenders under various criminal codes, especially those targeting military, charitable, and public funds.
Photo news con
Promised drone parts: fraudster who swindled volunteer out of nearly 900,000 hryvnias has been exposed in Kyiv, - Prosecutor’s office. PHOTO Law enforcement officers in the capital have arrested a 25-year-old resident of Odesa who is suspected of fraud involving the sale of drone components. According to the investigation, the man, together with his accomplices, swindled a volunteer out of nearly 900,000 hryvnias by promising to... 630 2 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
Fraudsters in Dnipropetrovsk region swindled 600,000 euros from ’investor’ under pretext of investing in metallurgical enterprise, – National Police. PHOTO In Kryvyi Rih, law enforcement officers have uncovered a fraud scheme in which the perpetrators swindled 600,000 euros from a potential investor by offering to invest the funds in supposedly profitable projects run by a metallurgical company. 1 343 9 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
Foreigners defrauded of 1.6 million hryvnias: Ukrainian and Czech law enforcement officers have uncovered fraudulent scheme. VIDEO+PHOTOS Ukrainian and Czech law enforcement agencies have uncovered an international fraud scheme in which the perpetrators defrauded foreign nationals under the guise of investment via an online platform. 2 918 4 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes Exposing fraudulent cyber company
Police have exposed fraudsters who swindled over million hryvnias by promising fake assistance. PHOTOS Law enforcement officers have dismantled a large-scale fraud ring whose members used live streams on TikTok to pose as representatives of well-known Ukrainian and international charitable organisations and swindle money from members of the public under the pretence of arranging financial aid. 610 2 Previously in trend: financial fraud fraud involving refugee payments
Kyiv resident who defrauded volunteer of $30,000 under pretence of selling drones to Armed Forces of Ukraine is to stand trial. PHOTO A 35-year-old local resident in Kyiv is to stand trial for defrauding a volunteer entrepreneur of 30,000 US dollars under the pretence of selling drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 840 1 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Among victims are families of fallen defenders: ’fortune tellers’ to face trial in Kyiv. PHOTOS In Kyiv, a group of fraudsters who posed as magicians and used psychological pressure to swindle money from people are to stand trial. The victims even included relatives of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. 2 701 21 Previously in trend: Scams targeting relatives of military personnel Fraudulent schemes
An 18-year-old man sold non-existent pick-up trucks to soldiers in Kyiv: soldiers were defrauded of almost 600,000 UAH. PHOTOS In Kyiv, a young man has been charged with fraud after offering to sell cars to the military for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; however, after paying a deposit, the buyers received nothing. 1 905 13 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Two individuals have been notified of suspicion of defrauding former high-ranking official of 7 million hryvnias. PHOTOS Under the procedural supervision of the Shevchenkivskyi District Prosecutor’s Office in Kyiv, two men aged 19 and 26 have been notified that they are under suspicion of aiding and abetting fraud. 7 487 57 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Scheme to sell humanitarian vehicles intended for Ukraine’s Armed Forces exposed. PHOTOS Law enforcement officers have exposed a new scheme involving the illegal import and sale of vehicles registered as humanitarian aid for Ukraine’s Armed Forces. 2 040 5 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Over 576 million hryvnias were diverted from defence contracts into "shadow". Scheme has been dismantled. PHOTOS A criminal organisation that had set up a so-called "money-laundering centre" to assist businesses in laundering funds and evading taxes has been exposed and its activities halted. 2 082 12 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
They took $16,000 from ’draft dodgers’ and then vanished ’off radar’: SSU exposes two MPs’ aides from OPFL. PHOTOS Two parliamentary aides have been caught engaging in "evasive schemes". 4 036 16 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Ex-bank employee in Cherkasy region embezzles over UAH 1 million in payments to grandmother of fallen service member. PHOTOS A former bank employee has been arrested in the Cherkasy region for embezzling over one million hryvnias in payments intended for the 78-year-old grandmother of a deceased soldier. She faces up to 12 years in prison. 2 446 4
Officer from Dnipropetrovsk region, on fictitious "sick leave," gambled at casino and received his salary, – SBI. VIDEO+PHOTOS An officer from the Dnipropetrovsk region has been informed of new allegations – whilst on a fraudulent sick leave, he visited casinos and received his salary. 5 610 14
Criminal gang of fraudsters in Dnipropetrovsk region who embezzled citizens’ funds has been exposed. PHOTOS Police have uncovered an organised criminal gang of fraudsters in the Dnipropetrovsk region who were embezzling citizens’ funds by reissuing SIM cards. 1 271 2 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
"Dead souls" and exemptions from mobilisation: new suspicions announced against national park head in Mykolaiv region. PHOTOS Officers of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) have uncovered new facts of unlawful activity by the head of the Biloberezhzhia Sviatoslava National Nature Park in Mykolaiv region and served him with additional notices of suspicion. 2 107 2
At least $2 million siphoned off: fraudulent call center network exposed in Dnipro. VIDEO&PHOTOS A network of call centers through which perpetrators stole crypto assets has been uncovered in Dnipro. 2 566 21 Previously in trend: Dismantling call center networks
Scheme involving procurement of UAVs for defence: indictment filed against officials and contractor. PHOTOS Prosecutors from the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Defence Affairs in the Central Region have filed an indictment against three officials from the city council department and the director of a company. 1 305 4 Previously in trend: seizure of funds defense procurement Procurement of drones
Fraudsters sold non-existent quadcopters and cars to service members: suspects charged in Sumy region. PHOTOS In the Sumy region, law enforcement officers exposed a group of fraudsters who sold non-existent quadcopters and vehicles allegedly for the military. Over nine months, the perpetrators defrauded six people, causing losses of more than half a million hryvnias. 1 209 6 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Large-scale scheme to forge "certificates" of law enforcement agencies for draft dodgers exposed, - SSU. PHOTOS The Main Directorate of Internal Security and investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have neutralised a scheme for the mass production and sale of "documents" that imitated the identification documents of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, including "Security Service of Ukraine... 10 992 51 Previously in trend: Evasion from mobilization
Serviceman detained for demanding 500,000 hryvnias from family of fallen defender in Vinnytsia region – SBI. VIDEO+PHOTOS A former soldier from one of the Vinnytsia region units was caught red-handed demanding money from the family of a fallen defender. 5 360 20 Previously in trend: Extortion of funds
Deceived mother of conscript with scheme: "Your son is in TCR": man was detained in Odesa. PHOTO In Odesa, a criminal who defrauded the mother of a conscript was detained. He extorted $12,500 from the woman in exchange for "letting her son go home" from the military registration and enlistment office. 2 751 18 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Cryptocurrency fraudsters who stole from EU citizens exposed. PHOTOS The Security Service and the National Police, together with law enforcement agencies of the Republics of Latvia and Lithuania, have dismantled a large-scale fraud scheme designed to extort money from European Union citizens. 2 241 2 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Fraud under guise of supplying drones for Armed Forces of Ukraine: Kyiv resident served notice of suspicion – Prosecutor General’s Office. VIDEO+PHOTOS Prosecutors from the Solomianskyi District Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv have served a notice of suspicion to a 35-year-old Kyiv resident on suspicion of large-scale fraud committed repeatedly under martial law. His actions were classified under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. 1 935 9 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
Fraud call center shut down in Dnipro: nearly 100 operators "worked" there. PHOTOS The other day, operational officers of the Cross-Border Crime Unit of the Eastern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, with force support from fighters of the 10th Mobile Border Guard Detachment "DOZOR," together with prosecutors from the Left Bank District... 10 138 24 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Three fraudsters exposed for embezzling over 2 million hryvnias under guise of supplying drones to Armed Forces of Ukraine - National Police. PHOTO Law enforcement officers exposed two residents of Odesa and a Kyiv resident for fraud. The conspirators posted advertisements on the Internet for the sale of quadcopters, but after the customers transferred the money, they disappeared without sending the goods. The sanction of the incriminated... 1 305 7 Previously in trend: financial fraud
In Vinnytsia region, deputy "bought" girl with disability to get deferment from mobilisation. VIDEO+PHOTOS A deputy of one of the city councils in Vinnytsia region, together with an accomplice, developed a scheme that would allow him to avoid mobilisation. 16 360 21 Previously in trend: Mobilization deferral
In Odesa, prosecutor’s office, together with police, shut down investment call centre that defrauded citizens of Kazakhstan. VIDEO+PHOTOS Prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office have served suspicion notices to 9 people who defrauded foreigners through an investment scheme. 2 602 8
Fraudsters who had defrauded soldiers released from captivity and stolen about million hryvnias exposed. VIDEO&PHOTOS. VIDEO&PHOTOS Police officers exposed a criminal organisation that fraudulently seized the funds of servicemen released from Russian captivity. 7 044 30
More than 4,500 citizens of Europe and Central Asia were defrauded of 186 million hryvnias: international fraud call centre exposed in Ukraine. PHOTOS Members of a criminal organisation that misappropriated funds of foreign citizens under the guise of providing "legal aid" have been exposed and served with a notice of suspicion. 27 007 9 Previously in trend: financial fraud Fraudulent schemes
Network of fraudulent call centres, through which EU citizens were defrauded of 12 million hryvnias, was liquidated. PHOTOS As a result of a successful special operation within the framework of international cooperation between law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, a network of fraudulent call centres was shut down and members of a transnational criminal organisation operating in both countries... 3 766 3 Previously in trend: financial fraud
20-year-old Kyiv resident pretended to be Magyar on TikTok and raised funds "for AFU" He was detained by police. PHOTOS Law enforcement officers detained a 20-year-old Kyiv resident who created a fake TikTok page and raised funds on behalf of the commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine's attack unmanned aerial systems regiment, allegedly for the Defence Forces. 6 446 24 Previously in trend: Fraudulent schemes
Charity organization in Sumy exposed for embezzling over UAH 1.6 million in donations for AFU – prosecutors. PHOTO Four residents of Sumy have been served with notices of suspicion for allegedly conspiring to collect funds under the guise of charity, including for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and misappropriating part of the donations (Part 3 of Article 201-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). 1 147 4 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Approximately 11.5 million hryvnias embezzled: large-scale money laundering scheme by officials of National Guard unit exposed, - State Bureau of Investigation. PHOTOS SBI officers jointly with the SSU and with the assistance of the National Guard command exposed an accountant of a military unit who transferred part of the money to third-party accounts when calculating the salaries of all servicemen. 5 332 4 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Kyiv entrepreneur embezzled 28 million hryvnias allocated for drones for state, - prosecutor’s office. PHOTO The director of a private company in Kyiv who promised to supply drones from abroad for UAH 28 million was served a notice of suspicion. 4 560 35 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Stealing money from EU citizens: call centre in Uzhhorod exposed - SSU. VIDEO+PHOTOS The Security Service of Ukraine, jointly with the Czech Police, eliminated a fraudulent scheme in the Zakarpattia region, which targeted EU citizens. 6 793 24 Previously in trend: financial fraud
He defrauded 10 people while raising funds for needs of AFU: pseudo-volunteer was exposed in Sumy. PHOTO Under the procedural guidance of the Sumy District Prosecutor’s Office, a 32-year-old resident of Sumy has been formally charged with defrauding 10 individuals. 1 757 10 Previously in trend: financial fraud
They cheated pensioner out of UAH 415,000 by posing as her son, who went missing in war: fraudsters detained in Odesa region. PHOTOS Fraudsters were detained in Odesa region who were extorting money from an elderly woman by posing as her son, who had gone missing in action. 1 958 4 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Fraudsters who appropriated over 100 drones for AFU and defrauded volunteers and sellers of UAH 11 million exposed - Prosecutor General’s Office. PHOTOS Three people were served a notice of suspicion on the fact of fraud committed on a large scale by an organised group under martial law. The criminals defrauded volunteers, appropriated more than 100 drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and defrauded sellers of UAH 11 million. 4 679 21 Previously in trend: financial fraud
Law enforcers of Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia expose 14 members of criminal organisation who defrauded EU citizens of over UAH 11 million. PHOTOS In March 2025, the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) exposed members of a criminal organisation that defrauded citizens of the European Union through the operation of a call centre in Kamianske, Dnipro region. 1 312 2
Fictitious marriage with woman with disabilities: scheme to evade mobilisation exposed in Kyiv region. PHOTOS In Kyiv region, a scheme to avoid mobilisation was exposed and two of its participants were detained. 2 658 20
Group of persons, who embezzled UAH 2.5 million of donations for Armed Forces, exposed - Prosecutor General’s Office. PHOTOS Three persons were served a notice of suspicion of fraud and money laundering (Art. 190, parts 3, 4, 209, part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). They misappropriated the money they were allegedly raising for the needs of the Armed Forces. 6 157 33
Police detained group of fraudsters who embezzled almost UAH 3 million. PHOTOS Cyberpolice stopped the activities of fraudsters who organised a call centre in the Donetsk region and cheated citizens out of their financial data. 2 322 3
Almost UAH 4 million earned on sale of "humanitarian" cars for Armed Forces: National Police detains organisers of criminal scheme in Bukovyna. PHOTO Law enforcement officers in Chernivtsi region exposed the organiser and his accomplices who were importing and selling "humanitarian" vehicles intended for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 3 480 9
Military blogger Sord is served notice of suspicion: he misappropriated over UAH 350 thousand raised for AFU. PHOTO Law enforcers served a notice of suspicion to military blogger Vladyslav Sord (Hranetskyi-Stafichuk), who defrauded his followers of more than UAH 350,000 during a fundraiser for an Armed Forces unit. 17 548 58
They disguised themselves as TCR and SS and law enforcement officers: group of fraudsters extorting money from men detained in Odesa. PHOTOS In Odesa, fraudsters disguised themselves as TCR and SS employees and law enforcement officers were detained, extorting money from men of military age. 5 006 33
Kryvyi Rih police investigator was detained for misappropriation of over UAH 740 thousand of deceased persons. PHOTO A police investigator from Kryvyi Rih is suspected of misappropriating the money of the deceased. 4 144 23
He sold non-existent EWs and drones: Man defrauded servicemen and their relatives of UAH 280 thousand in Kyiv, - prosecutor’s office. PHOTOS The Dniprovskyi District Prosecutor's Office of Kyiv has sent to court an indictment charging a 26-year-old Kyiv resident with fraud for selling non-existent thermal imagers, electronic warfare systems and drones to military personnel and volunteers via the Internet. 1 564 5
Two fraudsters selling non-existent cars to the military - two fraudsters will be tried in Kharkiv region. PHOTOS Two residents of Lozova defrauded Ukrainian servicemen by selling non-existent cars. Five victims have been identified. The amount of damage caused is over UAH 100 thousand. 1 398 8
Page 1 of 2
more photo