In Kyiv region, the SBU exposed an organized group distributing counterfeit money in national and foreign currencies.

The illegal activities of the group could have caused losses to the state budget in the amount of almost UAH 20 million (USD 703,000).

Allegedly, the group included several residents of the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region. The defendants were selling high-quality counterfeit notes. They searched for their clients via personal connections.

The SBU officers documented several facts of illegal activities of the offenders.

According to the National Bank of Ukraine, the counterfeit money had appropriate security features to pass control on special electronic devices, including those in currency exchange offices.

During the searches of the offenders’ residences, banknotes of unknown origin totaling almost UAH 600,000 (USD 21,000) were seized, as well as firearms and drugs. IDs of government officials and law enforcement officers were also found.

Currently, the offenders have been served the notices of suspicion upon the fact of producing, stockpiling and distribution of counterfeit money.

The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was conducted jointly with investigators of Podil Police Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv under the supervision of Kyiv Local Prosecutor's Office No7.