SBU cyber specialists stopped the activities of a hacker group. For money, the offenders provided customers with unauthorized access to messengers, social media accounts and e-mail accounts of users.

The pre-trial investigation established that they hacked the mobile messengers and social media profiles of a number of Kyiv region officials using a controlled virtual server. The SBU documented that among the victims of their actions is the Chairman of a district court. The cost of "services" was up to USD 3,000, depending on the complexity and volume of work.

According to intelligence, the owner of the hosting systematically travels abroad, including to Russia. His main clientele were Russians and domestic "private detectives." The possible man’s connections with Russian special services is being checked.

To stay anonymous, the offender received "payments" in cryptocurrency, and used electronic wallets of Russian non-bank payment systems banned in Ukraine.

During the searches of the rented offices with servers and the organizer's residence in Fastiv district, law enforcement officers seized:

• computer equipment;
• bank cards;
• samples of software used to gain unauthorized access.

All the evidence will be sent for examination.

The investigation is ongoing upon illegal acquisition, sale or use of special technical means of obtaining information; unauthorized interference with the work of electronic computers (computers), automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks.

The issue of serving the organizers suspicion notices is being settled.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Kyiv Region Prosecutor's Office.