A network of 300 drop points: A large-scale scheme was uncovered in the Vinnytsia region
In the Vinnytsia region, law enforcement officials uncovered a network of approximately 300 “drop accounts,” through whose bank cards and accounts, according to the investigation, funds of illegal origin were transferred. Five young men have been notified of their status as suspects, and the total turnover of funds on the cards of those involved in the scheme exceeded 127 million hryvnias. One of the suspects has already been taken into custody, while the other four are currently abroad.
Law enforcement officials in Vinnytsia region uncovered a large-scale scheme in which hundreds of so-called “mules” were used to move illicit funds. These are individuals who provide others with their bank cards, accounts, or access to them in exchange for compensation. In this case, the investigation identified approximately 300 such individuals.
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, the scheme operated from 2024 to 2025. It was organized by five residents of the Vinnytsia region aged 22 to 25. For a nominal fee, they gained access to the “drops’” bank cards, accounts, and crypto wallets. According to the investigation, these payment instruments were then passed on to criminal groups. In return, the network’s participants received a certain percentage of the amount that passed through the accounts.
Law enforcement officials believe that this network was used to launder money obtained through various illegal means. These included fraud in online sales, phishing attacks, and calls made to people on behalf of alleged bank employees or debt collectors.
In other words, the “drops” effectively served as an intermediary between the criminals and the victims’ money. Funds were deposited into certain individuals’ cards, after which they could be transferred further, withdrawn as cash, or used for other transactions.
Over 127 million hryvnias passed through the cards
According to the investigation, the total turnover of funds on the cards used by the scheme’s participants exceeded 127 million hryvnias. At the same time, the amount of losses established so far is approximately 2 million hryvnias. Law enforcement officials continue to review financial transactions and determine the origin of the funds.
Separately, the investigation found that members of the network may have colluded with certain bank employees. According to law enforcement, these employees helped lift blocks and other restrictions on the “drop” cards. Prosecutors explain that such assistance allowed operations to continue even after banking systems detected suspicious activity.
Over 40 Searches
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials conducted more than 40 authorized searches. During these searches, they seized several dozen cell phones and SIM cards. Law enforcement officials also found 255 bank cards.
In addition, a significant amount of cash was seized during the investigative actions. This includes over 2 million UAH, $147,000, and €22,000. Vehicles that may have been used by participants in the scheme were also seized. All of these items and funds are now part of the criminal case file. Their origin and possible connection to criminal activity have yet to be determined by investigators.
One suspect was taken into custody
Five alleged organizers of the network have been notified of the charges against them. Law enforcement officers detained one of them. The court ordered him to be held in custody as a preventive measure. Four other suspects are currently abroad. Law enforcement officials are taking steps to place them on an international wanted list.
The investigation into the case is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are identifying all individuals who may have been involved in the network’s operations and are determining the total amount of funds transferred through the drop boxes. At the same time, the mere fact of being notified of suspicion does not imply proven guilt. The court will make the final determination regarding the actions of those involved. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.
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