In Cherkasy region, the SSU dismantled a criminal group that ‘made money’ on internally displaced persons. The crooks demanded payment for living in the city’s dormitories, which were actually free for this category of people.

The scheme was organized by officials of a critical infrastructure facility that owned the dormitories and a realtor who colluded with them.

They extorted from IDPs a monthly payment for a room in the dormitory and, in case of delays, threatened with eviction, despite the fact that the state was covering all costs of living in such housing.

The payment depended on the room and the number of people who would live there. The price ranged from UAH 1,500 to 4,000 per month.

They found ‘clients’ through personal contacts and advertisements on the Internet.

The investigation identified at least 20 cases of extortion by this group. Among the victims of their actions are families with small children, as well as pregnant women who fled from eastern and southern regions of Ukraine occupied by russian forces.

The law enforcement detained the realtor ‘red handed’ when she received another illegal gain.

The detainee has been notified of suspicion of committing a crime under Article 368.3 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an illegal benefit by an official).

The investigation is ongoing to identify all those involved and bring them to justice.

The operation was carried out by the SSU and the National Police investigators under the procedural supervision of Cherkasy District Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of Cherkasy City Council.