Law enforcement officials have arrested two fraudsters who defrauded pensioners of nearly one million hryvnias under the guise of computer repair services.

The criminal activities of the suspects, who were extorting money from citizens, were documented by operatives and investigators of the Svyatoshyn District Police.

During the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that local residents, aged 26 and 27, posed as computer technicians. They plastered advertisements in residential buildings offering laptop, computer, and mobile phone repair services, specifically targeting elderly clients.

After completing the so-called repairs, the “specialists” took advantage of the elderly victims' lack of knowledge regarding service costs, coercing them to pay inflated prices or accessing their personal accounts through online banking to transfer funds.

It has been established that four elderly residents of Kyiv, aged between 67 and 83, fell victim to this fraudulent scheme, with total losses amounting to nearly one million hryvnias.

During a search at the suspects' residence, law enforcement seized material evidence: brochures with advertisements, business cards, bank cards, and cash obtained unlawfully.

The investigators, under the procedural guidance of the Svyatoshyn District Prosecutor's Office, have charged the fraudsters under Part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – fraud committed repeatedly, by prior agreement by a group of individuals in large amounts.

Currently, the issue of choosing a preventive measure is being resolved. The suspects face up to eight years in prison.