A sommelier from one of Kyiv’s restaurants is suspected of fraud involving nearly 1.7 million hryvnias, which he spent in an online casino.
This is reported by Kyiv24
According to law enforcement, the 34-year-old restaurant employee exploited the trust of his colleagues, management, and regular guests of the establishment. The man convinced acquaintances to invest money in a supposedly profitable purchase of elite alcohol for subsequent resale to VIP clients. He claimed to have access to exclusive prices, promising quick profits from such investments.
How the Fraud Scheme Worked
A total of seven individuals fell victim to the fraudster’s actions. Each of them handed over about six thousand US dollars to the suspect. However, instead of purchasing the promised alcohol, the man lost all the collected funds in a virtual casino.
“As established by law enforcement, the man, taking advantage of the trust of colleagues, management, and regular clients, offered them to invest money in a supposedly profitable purchase of elite alcohol for subsequent resale to VIP clients. The man assured that he had access to exclusive prices and promised investors quick profits. However, instead of purchasing alcohol, the funds received were spent by the fraudster in an online casino,” the statement reads.
Criminal Liability
The perpetrator is currently facing charges under part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – fraud. This article provides for a penalty of up to eight years in prison.