UA
FR
DECyber specialists of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) blocked a large-scale channel of money circulation between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which operated with the help of cryptocurrency technologies and prohibited Russian payment systems.
The network of underground conversion centres was closed in four regions, through each of which more than USD 1 million passed monthly.
The dealers used the sanctioned Russian transfer systems Yoomoney, Webmoney, and cryptocurrency.
They provided services for withdrawing Russian rubles from the territory of the Russian Federation by converting it into cryptocurrency and cashing it into hryvnia.
The attackers’ main clients were hackers and representatives of commercial structures that conducted shady trade and financial transactions with the aggressor country.
The cryptocurrency cashing was carried out in underground conversion centres that served as currency exchange offices in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Rivne, and Sumy.
During searches of the premises of the residences and places of employment of the defendants, the following was found:
- almost 60 million in hryvnia equivalent;
- equipment used by dealers in illegal activities.
Currently, one person has been notified of suspicion under Article 200 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal actions with transfer documents, payment cards, and other means of access to bank accounts, electronic money, and equipment for their production).
An investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring other participants in illegal activities to justice.
Comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Natalia Tolub
