The SBI ensured the transfer of seized crypto assets worth over UAH 372 million to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency

Combating transnational cybercrime and ensuring an effective mechanism for seizing and managing assets obtained through criminal means is one of the top priorities of the State Bureau of Ivenvestigation.

Based on materials of the criminal proceeding of the SBI, in cooperation with the Internal Security Department of the National Police of Ukraine and the U.S. law enforcement agencies, virtual assets belonging to an organized transnational hacker group have been seized and transferred to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) for the first time in Ukraine’s history. More than 8.3 million USDT has been transferred to the crypto wallet of the ARMA, which amounts to over UAH 372 million at the current exchange rate.

The investigation established that the virtual assets were held in crypto wallets controlled by one of the members of an international hacking group. The suspects carried out cyberattacks against individuals and companies in Europe and the United States of America, stole confidential information, demanded ransom, and laundered money in Ukraine by purchasing real estate, vehicles, and other high-value assets.

According to preliminary estimates, the losses resulting from the criminal group’s activities exceed USD 100 million.

As part of the pre-trial investigation, four members of the group, including its organizer, were detained. All have been placed in pretrial detention.

In total, assets worth over USD 11.1 million have been seized in the criminal proceedings, including residential buildings, apartments, vehicles, USD 1 million in cash, and virtual assets worth over USD 8.3 million.

After converting crypto assets into fiat currency, the SBI plans to purchase military bonds, which will be yet another contribution by the Bureau to supporting our country’s economy during martial law.

The SBI continues to implement a range of measures aimed at documenting the activities of transnational criminal groups, recovering illegally obtained assets, and bringing those responsible to justice.

The procedural guidance is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General.