The SBU blocked the usage of counterfeit Ukrposhta stamps. The representatives of “LNR” terrorist organization put them on letters to intimidate IDPs.

The SBU established that during 2019-2020, a group of people, operating in several regions, sold counterfeit Ukrposhta postage stamps to various customers. “LNR” representatives used some of them to mail the migrants. They demanded from citizens to confirm their right to own real estate in the temporarily occupied territory. In case of non-receipt of documentation, “LNR authorities” threatened to deprive people of property rights.

The use of stamps of the Ukrainian state postal operator on such letters was to undermine the confidence of IDPs in the Ukrainian authorities.

The pre-trial investigation also established that the batch production of counterfeit stamps was located on the territory of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Then the stamps were smuggled into Ukraine.

According to the experts, the losses of Ukrposhta could exceed UAH 50 m. (USD 1.8 million) .

Within the criminal proceedings, law enforcement officers detained one of the offenders on attempt to send a batch of counterfeit stamps. At the same time, in five regions the operatives conducted more than 30 searches in the perpetrators’ residences and vehicles. They seized money in various currencies, including Russian rubles, for almost UAH 3 million (USD 104,000), communications equipment, weapons and ammunition, as well as counterfeit goods amounting to almost UAH 5 million (USD 175,000).

Currently, two members of the group have received notices of suspicion of trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine and fraud. The type of detention is being chosen.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of financing of actions with the purpose of change the territorial boundaries or national borders of Ukraine in violation of the order provided for in the Ukrainian Constitution, and fraud.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in the Sphere of Economic Security jointly with the SBU Office in Kharkiv Region under the procedural supervision  of Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office.