Stealing and laundering UAH 14 million from citizens' bank accounts — members of the criminal group will stand trial
Operatives of the Directorate of Strategic Investigations in Zhytomyr region and investigators of the Investigative Department of the Regional Police exposed the illegal activities of five persons involved in large-scale appropriation of funds — the chief accountant of the bank branch, an entrepreneur and individuals.
The defendants implemented a criminal scheme using unauthorized access to an automated banking system. This made it possible to secretly write off money from bank accounts. The amounts of illegal transfers at a time ranged from 40 to 500 thousand UAH. There were several such “trenches”. They were received by attackers using forged documents at bank cash desks. Used the appropriated money for their own purposes, including for conducting business activities.
It was established that the total amount that was stolen from the members of the group exceeds 14 million UAH.
On the basis of the evidence received, all participants in the transaction were informed of suspicions under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Parts 4 and 5 of Art. 185 (theft committed in large (especially large) sizes or by an organized group);
- Part 2 of Art. 200 (illegal actions with transfer documents, payment cards and other means of access to bank accounts, electronic money, equipment for their manufacture);
- Part 2 and 3 of Art. 209 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means);
- Part 1 and 2 of Art. 361 (Unauthorised interference with the operation of electronic computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks).
At the moment, the pre-trial investigation in the criminal proceedings has been completed. The indictment, in agreement with the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor's Office, was sent to the court.
If proven guilty, group members may face punishment in the form of imprisonment for a period of 7 to 12 years with confiscation of property.
Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police of Ukraine
