The Security Service and the National Police have dismantled yet another fraudulent scheme in Kyiv involving the embezzlement of charitable donations intended for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The scammers stole nearly UAH 1.5 million (USD 34,000) that Ukrainian volunteers had paid for FPV drones and ammunition for the front lines.

According to the investigation, the scheme was organised by a Kyiv-based entrepreneur engaged in the online sale of UAV components and military equipment.

He created a website and an Instagram page through which donors could order drone systems for the Armed Forces.

On these online platforms, the fraudster also promised potential customers fast and high-quality deliveries of military products.

But as soon as payment was received, he supplied customers with defective goods or simply took the money and cut off contact.

To conceal his crimes, the perpetrator used the bank details of his acquaintances and cashed out the funds through accomplices. Among them were a manager, an accountant, and individual entrepreneurs controlled by the commercial entity of the scheme’s organiser.

The law enforcement team documented the fraudulent activities and detained the main suspect at his home.

A smartphone, documentation, and seals containing evidence of the crimes were found in his possession.

The detainee has been notified of suspicion under Article 190.5 of the CCU (fraud, committed on an especially large scale or by an organised group).

He faces up to 12 years of imprisonment and confiscation of property. The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region jointly with the National Police investigators, under the procedural supervision of Holosiivskyi District Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv.