Administrator of child abuse material network detained in Romania

The Ukrainian Cyberpolice, together with investigators from the Main Investigative Department of the National Police and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), uncovered an international scheme for distributing prohibited content. During the investigation, it was possible to identify two probable participants in the network.

According to the investigation, one of the suspects received and laundered nearly 36 million hryvnias from the distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Search extended to Romania

One of the suspects managed an internet network comprising approximately 1,000 websites with prohibited content. The man later left Ukraine and hid from law enforcement agencies.

Thanks to international cooperation, the police established his location in Romania. At the request of the Ukrainian side, he was detained on the territory of that country. Currently, Ukraine has initiated extradition proceedings to bring the man to criminal justice.

Laundering via cars and cryptocurrency

The second participant in the scheme was identified during the analysis of seized computer equipment and electronic devices. Cyberpolice officers identified a cryptocurrency account used to receive payments for distributing prohibited content.

The investigation established that the suspect withdrew funds through this channel. The total amount of laundered money was nearly 36 million hryvnias. To conceal its origin, the man purchased expensive cars, which he registered in his mother's name. These actions were part of a scheme to launder assets obtained through criminal means.

Investigation status

One of the men has already been notified of suspicion under articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine that provide for liability for the distribution of child sexual abuse material and the laundering of assets of criminal origin.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The police are gathering evidence and establishing all circumstances of the network's activities. The extradition procedure for the person detained in Romania is also at an active stage. No court verdicts have been issued so far.