The SBU cyber specialists exposed a network of illegal exchangers in Kyiv. The monthly turnover of banned e-currencies amounted to USD 1 m.

The law enforcement found out that the suspects used the so-called electronic currency exchange offices for transactions with crypto- and e-currencies for a long period. To implement the illegal scheme, the suspects used banking cards belonging to fictitious persons, and banned e-wallets belonging to citizens of Russia, whose passport data were purchased from the DarkNet. Among the clients were representatives of the non-observed economy sector, in particular of the gambling business and fraudulent call centers.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the electronic funds were used by the secret services of a number of countries to anonymize payments for illegal actions to the detriment of the state security of Ukraine and to finance paid-for pseudo-protests.

During the searches of the illegal exchange offices in the city of Kyiv, the law enforcement officers seized:

• computer equipment and mobile devices used for customer support and illegal exchange transactions with banned Russian e-currencies;
• a large amount of cash in different currencies worth UAH 3 m (USD 107,000).

Currently, one of the perpetrators received the suspicion notice of illegal actions in respect of remittance documents, electronic money, payment cards and other means providing access to bank accounts, and equipment for their production.

The investigation is ongoing to prosecute other persons involved in the illegal activities.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.