Law enforcement officials reported suspicions against 10 members of a criminal organization consisting of employees from Ukrzaliznytsia, who were making millions by selling tickets for international train routes at prices ranging from 300 to 500 euros.
This information was provided by the press service of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.
How many passengers are transported by UZ and what financial results are shownThe infographic displays the volumes of passenger transportation and the financial results of Ukrzaliznytsia's activities.The scammers took advantage of the high demand for such tickets. As of now, 10 suspicions have been reported.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the "ticket business" was organized by the chairman of the Primary Trade Union Organization of the Wagon Section at Kyiv-Passenger station, involving the deputy head of the section, train crew instructors, and international train conductors.
Members of the criminal organization systematically sold passengers seats in service compartments and conductors’ rest compartments that are not offered in the ticket sales system, as well as free seats.
They sold these tickets for a price of 300-500 euros each, while the official ticket price for the Kyiv-Warsaw train was 3,700 UAH. Passengers paid the money directly to the train conductors or conductors of international routes.
Additionally, prior to the implementation of the passenger verification system through “Dія.Pidpis,” participants in the scheme bought tickets for the purpose of reselling them to passengers just before departure.
Tickets were sold for trains No. 67/68 Kyiv-Warsaw, No. 19/20 Kyiv-Hłom, No. 119/120 Dnipro-Kyiv-Hłom-Kyiv-Dnipro, No. 23/24 Kyiv-Hłom, No. 89/90 Kyiv-Przemyśl, No. 351/352 Kyiv-Chișinău, as well as other international trains.
The scammers exploited the high demand for such tickets. As of now, 10 suspicions have been reported under the following articles:
- Part 1, 2, and 3 of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Creation, leadership of a criminal community or organized crime group, as well as participation in it),
- Part 1 and 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Abuse of power or official position).
The scammers' scheme operated from January to June 2024. Initially, UZ suffered a loss of over 73 million UAH in profits.
During mass searches at UZ facilities, law enforcement officials seized nearly 5 million UAH in cash in national and foreign currencies, vehicles, rough notes, and documentation.
Recall that this morning it became known that the police are conducting investigative actions at UZ facilities. In October, Ukrzaliznytsia appointed a new leader, Alexander Pertzovsky.
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