A scheme involving ATMs worth nearly 2 million hryvnias was uncovered in Zakarpattia

According to the investigation, the perpetrators used specially manufactured “souvenir” banknotes in denominations of 200, 500, and 1,000 hryvnias, which outwardly imitated genuine ones. They deposited them via ATMs, after which they quickly withdrew real funds or transferred them to accounts under their control.

Six residents of Mukachevo are involved in the scheme. Roles were divided: some replenished the accounts, while others withdrew and distributed the money. Dozens of transactions through four ATMs were documented in March. In a single transaction, amounts ranging from 30,000 to 200,000 UAH were deposited into the accounts. The total amount of losses is approximately 1.93 million UAH.

All counterfeit bills were seized and did not enter circulation. Ten searches were conducted, and bank cards, mobile phones, and other evidence were seized.

The group members have been notified of suspicion of fraud on an especially large scale and money laundering. Five have been remanded in custody with the option of bail up to 2 million UAH, and one more has been placed under nighttime house arrest. The prosecutor’s office is appealing some of the court’s decisions as too lenient.

The investigation into other involved parties and all circumstances is ongoing, particularly regarding the origin of the “souvenir” banknotes and the technical vulnerabilities exploited. According to the bank, these vulnerabilities have already been addressed.

Note: In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and may not be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.