Police dismantled fraudulent scheme selling non-existent cars

The police have identified more than 40 victims who were defrauded by swindlers of more than 1,300,000 hryvnias. The role of each member of the organized criminal group was also clarified.

Their illegal activities were documented by operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department and investigators of the Investigative Department of the State Police in Ivano-Frankivsk region.

The pre-trial investigation established that a fraudulent scheme to sell non-existent cars was organized by a 42-year-old resident. She involved two of her acquaintances in the illegal business – a 42-year-old resident and a 44-year-old resident of Ivano-Frankivsk TG.

Since June 2022, the defendants have been posting false advertisements on online trading platforms for the sale of vehicles at prices below market prices. They informed potential buyers that the cars were in perfect condition abroad, and that a deposit was required for their delivery, customs clearance, and registration. To be convincing, they sent potential customers video reviews of the vehicles and photos. However, after receiving the funds, the «sellers» did not get in touch.

The members of the organized criminal group performed clearly defined roles. The man placed false ads, the organizer communicated with buyers. The third member of the group opened bank accounts for fictitious persons, received deposits from clients, and transferred this money to the organizer.
During the year, the criminals defrauded more than 40 people for more than 1 million 300 thousand UAH.

The police conducted searches at the places of residence of the scammers. They seized a car and part of the money obtained by criminal means. Investigators announced suspicions under Part 4 of Article 190 (Fraud) and Part 3 of Article 209 (Legalization (laundering) of proceeds of crime). Under the procedural guidance of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, the indictment was sent to the court.