Police in Warsaw’s Praga Północ region have busted an international fraud network, arresting seven Ukrainian nationals and continuing the investigation into other suspects.
Complaint Sparks Investigation
A fraud report filed by a housing community manager in Praga Północ at Warsaw VI Police District command triggered a large-scale operation led by the Department for Combating Economic Crime and Corruption and overseen by the Warsaw‑Praga Północ District Prosecutor’s Office. Police, collaborating with units across the country, detained a group of fraudsters who used teleinformatics means to siphon funds. Seven Ukrainian members were placed under temporary arrest by the court. The case is ongoing, with officers probing possible involvement of additional individuals.
Arrests Begin in Bielany
On the day of the complaint, operatives in a Bielany apartment arrested a 20‑year‑old Ukrainian who had received money transferred from the housing community account, withdrawn it at multiple Warsaw ATMs, and then passed it to another conspirator. The suspect communicated with his “client” via a popular internet messenger. This arrest was a pivotal step in dismantling the group.
Expanding the Hunt to Other Cities
Two days later, police secured the arrest of a 29‑year‑old Ukrainian woman. Subsequently, coordinated efforts led to the detention of four more Ukrainian suspects, aged 18‑33, in Poznań and Zyc. In the first week of October, the same officers, working with the Bydgoszcz Provincial Police, arrested a 25‑year‑old Ukrainian partner. The next day in Warsaw’s Śródmieście, a 22‑year‑old compatriot was also apprehended.
Evidence Collection
Under the supervision of the Warsaw‑Praga Północ District Prosecutor’s Office, investigators amassed extensive evidence: witness statements, expert opinions, footage from monitoring cameras, and seized items including mobile phones, laptops, memory cards, SIM cards, payment cards, bank documents, cash, and other records of criminal activity conducted via teleinformatics tools. This material formed the basis for pressing charges against all detained members, who face up to eight years in prison.
Legal Proceedings and Detention
For the seven Ukrainian nationals, the court imposed temporary arrest and a financial surety. Police remain active in determining the participation of other individuals. The investigation continues.
