The Kyiv police detained a woman who cheated an Armed Forces serviceman defending Ukraine in Donetsk region during martial law. The offender used a fictitious story to force the victim to transfer a significant amount of money to her.
How the scammer worked
Pros. police information A 41-year-old resident of Kyiv organised a fraudulent scheme using social media. She created a fake account under an assumed name and presented herself as a seriously ill woman who urgently needed surgery in Germany. In this way, she got in touch with a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces who had been seriously injured in Donetsk region and convinced him to help her financially.
The fraudster systematically received transfers to her bank cards and her mother's account. The total amount of money she managed to cheat from the victim exceeded UAH 700 thousand.
Details of the investigation and search
The cyber police tracked the movement of funds and found that the money was immediately cashed out through ATMs and cash desks of banking institutions. During a search of the woman's residence in Kyiv, law enforcement officers seized mobile phones, bank cards and over UAH 114,000 in cash.
In addition, investigators identified more than ten fake social media accounts that were likely used for similar fraudulent schemes. Other possible victims are currently being identified.
A serviceman fell victim to emotional pressure
The injured soldier, who was defending Ukraine in the Donetsk region, was seriously wounded. It was during this difficult period that he became a target for emotional manipulation. The attacker convinced him of the need for help, appealing to his compassion and desire to save his life.
The collected evidence shows the systematic nature of the fraudster's actions. She carefully prepared a legend and used fake profiles to attract new victims.
Why it matters
The exposure of this scheme underlines that fraudsters do not stop even before those who are in a vulnerable position due to the war. It is particularly cynical that the crime was committed against a military man who sacrificed his health for the country. Law enforcement officials urge citizens to be careful, not to trust strangers online and to check information about fundraisers.
