Within the framework of combating cyber crimes, the SBU officers detected and stopped a group of hackers, who illegally interfered with computer systems of Ukrainian and foreign banks and misappropriated the money of individuals and entities.

Investigation indicates that the hackers found vulnerabilities in electronic payment document flow systems of banks and illegally transferred clients’ money on proxy persons’ accounts or converted into crypto-currency. The hackers created a network of bot-infected computers for conducting illegal transactions.

On the average, the hackers stole UAH 30,000,000 (USD 1,150,000) from bank accounts annually.  During 10 searches in Kyiv city and region as well as in Lviv city, the law enforcement seized computers and mobile phones, which were used in the illicit activity. The seized equipment  has been sent for examination.

Within the criminal proceeding initiated under Part 2 Article 361 and Part 2 Article 361-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine the issue of serving a notice of suspicion to the suspects is being settled. In case the guilty is proven, they may expect up to six years of imprisonment. The operation was conducted jointly with investigators of the National Police in Kyiv.