SBU cyber specialists exposed an organized group that stole citizens' money via unauthorized interference in the electronic system of a private postal operator. Part of the funds was transferred to Russian criminals.

Allegedly, the offenders deceived several hundred businessmen for over UAH 1 million (USD 35,714).

The SBU established that the illegal scheme was organized by two criminals serving sentences in a penal colony in Sumy region. They involved several former convicts and their relatives in the illegal activities.

According to the investigation, the offenders ordered consumer goods from entrepreneurs on behalf of fictitious individuals. They used the services of a private postal operator to receive the goods. After getting the parcel they had to pay for it.

However, the criminals then called the sellers under the guise of postal workers, and asked them to provide access codes to personal accounts in the operator's electronic application. The reason was allegedly the desire of a "client" to order an address delivery.

After receiving the codes, they added to the e-accounts their own bank cards and appropriated part of the money received from the sale. According to intelligence, the offenders transferred part of funds via electronic systems to Russian criminal groups.

Within the criminal proceedings, law enforcement officers conducted 24 searches of the residences and penitentiaries in Kharkiv and Sumy cities. During the investigative actions the SBU found:

• means of communication,
• computer equipment,
• bank cards with evidence of illegal activity.

Currently, the issue of serving the organizers and members of the group suspicion notices of unauthorized interference in the work of computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks, committed by an organized group; fraud committed by an organized group, is being resolved.

Investigative and operational actions are underway to identify all people involved in the illegal activity.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Kharkiv region jointly with the Cyber Police and National Police investigators under the supervision of Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office.