In the Czech Republic, Ukrainians stole 11 million crowns intended for refugees

Investigators of the Czech city of Brno have detained two citizens of Ukraine who have been engaged in fraud with humanitarian aid intended for Ukrainian refugees for a year. The losses amount to 11 million crowns (about 40 million rubles for Russian money), the suspects face up to 10 years in prison.

The suspects organized the transportation of a group of Ukrainians to the Czech Republic, after which they applied for benefits based on fake certificates of housing availability.

"Investigators came across two foreigners from Eastern Europe when investigating suspicions that they helped open bank accounts through which money from criminal activities was transferred. It soon became clear that they had more serious crimes on their conscience," said Pavel Schwab, a representative of the Czech police.

Arriving in the Czech Republic, the couple opened bank accounts for refugees, received login details and payment cards, and then, upon arrival, withdrew money from ATMs.

"During one of these visits, they fell into a trap, and a man and a woman were sent to prison," Schwab added.

During the investigation, 74 payment cards and 12 phones used to manage bank accounts were seized. The couple has been engaged in such a "business" for a year, and in the last five months it has expanded on a larger scale. A car belonging to the suspects and cash totaling more than 2.25 million Czech crowns were also seized.

According to the police, the total amount of fraudulent benefits is 11 million kronor. The suspects face up to 10 years in prison for fraud.