SSU exposes Zhytomyr prisoner extorting money from relatives of Ukrainian servicemen
The Security Service of Ukraine has shut down yet another scheme of extorting money from relatives of Ukrainian servicemen who are in captivity or went missing at the frontline.
According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by an inmate of a correctional institution in Zhytomyr.
The perpetrator used the Internet to find people who were looking for their loved ones - Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers who had been taken prisoner or disappeared during the fighting at the frontline.
The inmate called the families of the Ukrainian defenders and promised to find and bring them home in exchange for money.
During such conversations, he introduced himself as a member of a ‘search group’ and boasted that he had the ‘necessary connections.’
The scammer demanded from UAH 5,000 to 55,000.
The investigation revealed that the money was transferred to the bank cards of his cellmates and accomplices at large. Among them were his mother and civilian wife.
The SSU documented that the convict extorted UAH 50,000 from relatives of a Ukrainian soldier reported missing in action.
During the searches in his prison cell and at his accomplices’ homes, several mobile phones, bank cards and other evidence were found.
The organizer of the scheme was served a notice of suspicion under Article 190.4 of the CCU (fraud).
The investigation is ongoing.
The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Zhytomyr region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Please note that freeing prisoners of war is the competence of government authorities.
If you or someone you know is in a situation where unknown persons are demanding money for ‘releasing’ of a relative from captivity, please contact the Joint Centre for Search and Liberation of PoWs immediately:
Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram: +38 067 650-83-32
or by e-mail: united_center@ssu.gov.ua
