The National Agency of Ukraine for Finding, Tracing and Management of Assets Derived from Corruption and Other Crimes (ARMA), together with the competent authority of the Republic of Moldova, exposed a large-scale fraud scheme disguised as humanitarian aid for Ukrainian service members.
Fraudsters posted fake ads on popular online platforms, including olx.ua, offering SUVs allegedly for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. People in Ukraine and abroad transferred funds believing they were supporting the army. In reality, no vehicles were supplied: the perpetrators moved the money to bank cards, withdrew cash in Moldova, or spent it on goods and services.
Acting on a request from Moldova’s ARO (Asset Recovery Office), ARMA staff found the assets of the scheme’s participants, including:
- funds in bank accounts — nearly UAH 50,000;
- 2 residential real estate properties;
- 4 land plots;
- 7 vehicles.
The information collected has already been forwarded to the competent authorities of Moldova for further action.
Cooperation between ARMA and Moldova’s ARO is rapidly advancing: in the first half of 2025 alone, ARMA received 25 requests for asset finding and tracing.
