The SBU exposed a group of swindlers who “sold” non-existent antiepidemic goods via the Internet.

It was established that the illegal “business” was organized by two residents of Kyiv and Bakhmut cities. The suspects posted advertisements offering to buy face masks, respirators and other individual protective means for prices considerably lower than average. The goods were “delivered” only under condition of full prepayment. After receiving money, all the information was deleted and the phone numbers got blocked.

To make their Internet deals look legal, the suspects used bank details of existing business companies, but with altered payment details.

Allegedly, the swindlers managed to earn more than UAH 2 million (USD 74,000) since the end of March.

Among the victims were medical institutions, business entities and Ukrainian citizens from different regions of Ukraine.    

During the searches of the suspects’ residences in Kyiv and Bakhmut cities, the law enforcement seized computers, mobile phones, stamps of shell companies, cash presumably obtained from the illegal activity, as well as notes with details of their deals.

The seized items are being examined by the experts for taking further procedural decisions.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the case.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Zaporizzhya region jointly with the SBU Department of National Statehood Protection, under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.