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

Odaily Planet Daily News The Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office in Ukraine stated that it has completed a pre-trial investigation into a gang, 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 prosecutor's office stated that the suspects targeted at least four victims, using law enforcement skills, official vehicles, and police identification 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 prosecutor's office charged the individuals involved with creating and participating in an armed gang, kidnapping, illegal detention, robbery, extortion, and illegal possession of drugs. The gang's activities were terminated in November 2025, all involved individuals have been dismissed from their police positions, and the case materials have been submitted to the court. (Decrypt)