In Zaporizhzhia, the SSU exposed criminals who called relatives and friends of the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and offered their ‘help’ to supposedly ‘release’ them from captivity.

The swindlers demanded a fee for this. Prices varied and, in most cases, depended on the emotional state of relatives.

The fraudsters offered pseudo-services, including:

•  a telephone conversation with a prisoner, for which they asked from UAH 10 to 50 thousand (USD from 300 to 1,500);
• release from captivity, which cost from UAH 50 to 200 thousand (USD from 1.500 to 6,000);
• transportation of the body of the deceased - up to UAH 10 thousand (USD 300).

Of course, the criminals could not fulfil any of these mythical promises. And after they received the money sent to them online, they just disappeared.

For credibility, the fraudsters monitored the Internet and collected data on missing Ukrainian soldiers and their families.

The organizer of the scheme is a man who is currently in temporarily occupied Mariupol. He has been recently released from prison.

In addition, in Zaporizhzhia, he had an accomplice responsible for the financial component and mobile communication, constantly changing numbers and operators.

She was detained by the SSU special purpose unit.

During the search, the SSU seized from the suspect:

• computer equipment with evidence of unlawful activity;
• a large number of mobile phones and SIM cards;
• bank cards for receiving payments;
• UAH 250,000 (USD 8,000) in cash.

Within the criminal proceedings, the SSU is identifying all victims and taking measures to bring to justice other participants of the scheme.

We remind that the release of prisoners of war is the exclusive competence of state authorities.

If you or your acquaintances find themselves in a situation where unknown people are demanding money for ‘release’ of a relative from captivity, immediately contact the Joint Center for Search and Release of Prisoners:

+38 067 650-83-32

+38 098 087-36-01

or email united.centre.ssu@gmail.com