The SSU has exposed a scheme used to defraud foreigners who wanted to legalize in Ukraine. The perpetrators extorted money from the victims, promising to help them receive required documents. The fraudsters claimed to have connections in the SSU. The criminal group has been dismantled.

The scam was organized by residents of Kyiv, including foreigners who have already legalized their status in Ukraine. They offered ‘assistance’ to their foreign acquaintances who wanted to obtain a residence permit.

When the SSU received intelligence on these individuals, the officers documented the organizer’s actions and detained him ‘red-handed’ when the offender received payment from the victims.

Two organizers have been detained. The investigators are to notify them of suspicion of fraud and bribery.

The SSU Internal Security Department conducted the operation together with the National Police under the supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.