Former Ukrainian Police Officer Suspected of Kidnapping Crypto Entrepreneur for Over $2.2 Million Ransom

Odaily Odaily reports that the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office in Ukraine stated it has completed a pre-trial investigation into a criminal group, which includes four former police officers and a civilian with a criminal record, suspected of kidnapping a crypto entrepreneur and extorting over $2.2 million through violence, intimidation, and false debt claims.

The prosecutors allege that the individuals involved targeted at least four victims, using law enforcement skills, official vehicles, and police identity disguises to commit the crimes, forcing victims to hand over funds and sign documents for non-existent debts. In one case, a victim from Kyiv was abducted at gunpoint and forced to sign documents for a false debt of $5 million. The prosecutors charged the suspects with forming and participating in an armed gang, kidnapping, illegal detention, robbery, extortion, and illegal possession of drugs. The group's activities were halted in November 2025, all involved individuals have been dismissed from the police force, and the case materials have been submitted to the court. (Decrypt)