In Kharkiv region, the SBU CI officers and investigators exposed an organized group that stole money from bank cards due to interference in the operation of banking systems.

Allegedly, the group consisted of 15 offenders.

Hackers used malware that stole details of the electronic bank accounts of the US, European, Ukrainian citizens and their personal data. In particular, the offenders transferred the stolen money to their own accounts in domestic and Russian banks and misappropriated it using electronic payment services, including Russian ones banned in Ukraine.

Within the initiated criminal proceeding, the law enforcement carried out 16 searches in hackers’ office and residences located in Kharkiv city.

During investigation, SBU officers found over 40 computers with photos and details of foreign bank cards and other evidence of malware usage. They also seized bank cards, cash and jewelry worth over 12 million (USD 444,444), documents, movable and immovable property in Ukraine and abroad.

The issue of serving a notice of suspicion to the group members of creation for the purpose of use, dissemination and distribution of malware upon their prior conspiracy is being settled.

The investigation is ongoing in order to identify all persons involved in the unlawful activity.

The operation was conducted under the legal supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Kharkiv region.