The BEB has uncovered a large-scale "money laundering operation" that served hundreds of companies
The Economic Security Bureau has dismantled a large-scale "money laundering operation" that had been in operation since at least 2020 and provided services to hundreds of companies across Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of the Economic Security Bureau.
According to the investigation, the scheme’s participants organized a complex money-laundering mechanism. Funds passed through accounts of controlled foreign companies and a network of currency exchange offices in Ukraine and Europe. Subsequently, the money was either withdrawn in cash or converted into cryptocurrency to make tracking more difficult.
In addition, the suspects were involved in “laundering” goods of dubious origin, specifically fuel, lubricants, and petroleum products. Using forged documents, they made these goods appear to have been legally acquired.
The criminal organization had a clear division of roles—individual members were responsible for:
- financial transactions;
- accounting;
- company registration;
- opening bank accounts;
- recruiting front men.
Law enforcement officers conducted over 40 searches in various regions. During the special operation, accounting documents, over 30 electronic devices, approximately 40 seals, bank cards, and draft records were seized.
Significant amounts of cash were also seized: over 5 million hryvnias, approximately 300,000 U.S. dollars, and 20,000 euros. In addition, five vehicles were impounded.
Charges have been filed against the organizer, the financial director, accountants, a recruiter, and other participants in the scheme. They are accused of forming a criminal organization, tax evasion, document forgery, and entering false information into registries.
Four individuals have been detained, and three have already been placed in pretrial detention. The organizer is currently being sought—a request to place him on an international wanted list is being prepared.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
In addition, the Office of the Prosecutor General, together with the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB), uncovered a large-scale tax evasion scheme that had been used for several years by a group of companies engaged in the sale of consumer goods in various regions of Ukraine.
Over 800,000 Ukrainianswork for sole proprietorships.
Individual entrepreneurs must pay all taxes by March 20: details.
Individual entrepreneurs who have losttheir businesses due to the war can apply for compensation.
Small businesses in Ukraine are facing serious difficulties due to Russia’s frequent attacks on energy infrastructure, which cause prolonged outages of electricity, water, and heat during the winter season at temperatures of −20 °C.
