The capital's law enforcement has uncovered a group of four individuals attempting to extort money from a 24-year-old resident of Kyiv. The criminals used handcuffs and threatened the victim with a gun while demanding repayment of a debt. They could face up to twelve years in prison for their actions.
The victim, who is involved in social media promotion, received an invitation for a meeting from an unknown man to discuss a business deal. During the conversation in his car, two men suddenly joined them, handcuffed him, and demanded $50,000, which they claimed he owed them. Failing to get what they wanted, the criminals fled.
Operatives, along with analysts, identified connections among four suspects aged between 19 and 41 years.
According to the scheme, one of the participants found a man through social media, believing he had substantial funds. Another perpetrator created a fake profile on a messenger and arranged a meeting, while the other two applied physical pressure and threats.  
Investigators, under the supervision of the Obolon District Prosecutor's Office, charged the criminals under  part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – extortion committed by a group of individuals in collusion during martial law. The penalty provided by the article includes imprisonment for up to twelve years with confiscation of property.