Former Ukrainian police officers suspected of kidnapping a crypto entrepreneur and extorting over $2.2 million

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

The prosecutors said the individuals involved targeted at least four victims, using law enforcement skills, official vehicles, and police identities to commit the crimes, forcing victims to hand over funds and sign documents for non-existent debts. In one case, a victim in Kyiv was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to sign documents for a false debt of $5 million. The prosecutors accused those involved of creating and participating in an armed group, kidnapping, illegal confinement, robbery, extortion, and illegal possession of drugs. The group's activities were terminated in November 2025, all involved individuals have been dismissed from their police duties, and the case materials have been transferred to the court. (Decrypt)