The Security Department of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has suspended the operations of an international internet network involved in money laundering through cryptocurrency tools. "According to the Special Affairs Division, a group of internally displaced persons from temporarily occupied territories created several online websites between 2017 and 2020. These sites allowed Ukrainian users to convert suspicious-source cryptocurrencies into cash and non-cash forms. Such transactions were not subject to mandatory payments into Ukraine’s state budget, were not reflected in tax reports, and did not involve customer identification," SBU officials said. Unrecorded funds were issued through exchange points declared by license holders of the National Bank of Ukraine. The cryptocurrency was exchanged and guaranteed by shadow representatives of the organizers.
SBU and the National Police conducted eight searches in Kyiv at the criminals’ offices and residences, seizing substantial amounts of cash in various currencies, bank cards, computer equipment, specialized devices, documents proving illegal activities, as well as SIM cards from Russian mobile network operators and routers.
The investigation is ongoing, including examining information on the use of detected devices for servicing clients within the WebMoney payment system. Access to this system’s domain was blocked under the decision of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council dated May 2, 2018, “On Applying and Revoking Special Economic and Other Restrictive Measures (Sanctions) Against Individuals.” The investigation continues. SBU stated that measures are currently underway to seize assets, freeze accounts, and verify whether the organizers were involved in financing the so-called LPR/DPR.
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