Two fraudulent networks selling dietary supplements and ritual goods were exposed in Ternopil
Two organized groups of fraudsters received up to two million hryvnias per month by selling fake medicines and “ritual” amulets. Their activities were stopped by Ternopil law enforcement officers.
According to data from the police, the criminals sold biologically active supplements under the guise of medicines, as well as paraphernalia for supposedly magical rituals. At least 50 people from different regions of Ukraine suffered from the fraudulent schemes, including pensioners, wounded servicemen, and families of deceased and missing defenders. The number of victims may increase.
The investigation established that 25 people were involved in illegal activities. The schemes were organized by a resident of the Poltava region and two residents of the Zhytomyr region, who had previously appeared in similar cases. One of the groups presented themselves as medical professionals and promised “cures” for any diseases, but in fact they sent customers ordinary dietary supplements that are not medicines.
Another group posed as psychics and tarot readers. During telephone conversations, the participants in the scheme found out people’s personal problems and convinced them to purchase “energy-charged” amulets, jewelry, and other items for rituals.
The organizers carefully selected staff who worked remotely. Operators were trained in psychological methods of influence, other employees were responsible for forming orders, and the technical team ensured the smooth operation of the equipment.
Every month, the fraudsters sent more than two thousand parcels across the country. The cost of one order ranged from 2 to 12 thousand hryvnias, and the total profit reached 1.5–2 million hryvnias per month.
Law enforcement officers conducted 26 authorized searches in 11 regions of Ukraine with the participation of special forces. During the investigation, computer equipment, mobile phones, bank cards, weapons, over $35,000 in cash, draft notes, and “goods” sold by the scammers were seized.
Criminal proceedings have been opened for fraud and money laundering. The issue of declaring suspicions and taking preventive measures is currently being resolved, and the investigation is ongoing.
Separately, the cyber police are warning about a new fraudulent scheme aimed primarily at pensioners. Criminals are spreading false messages in messengers about “changes in the rules for calculating benefits” and offering to fill out “official questionnaires” on phishing sites that imitate the resources of the Pension Fund.
Law enforcement officers emphasize that state institutions do not collect personal data through social networks, and advise using only sites with the gov.ua domain.
