A resident of Prykarpattia was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding over one million hryvnias through computer games.

The Ivano-Frankivsk Appellate Court found a 36-year-old local resident guilty of fraud. For embezzling over one million hryvnias from 35 deceived gamers, the individual was sentenced to two years in prison.

As reported by the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor's Office on November 12, the accused had been selling non-existent gaming products, computer components, merchandise, and themed gaming souvenirs online from 2019 to 2022, embezzling money from gamers across various regions of Ukraine.

“Under the product listings, he provided a feedback form where potential buyers left their contact information. The man would then call them and 'process' the purchase on the condition of payment via bank transfer. After receiving the money for the goods, he would cease all communication with the buyers. In total, he managed to defraud 35 victims out of more than 1 million 84 thousand hryvnias,” law enforcement officials reported.

In May 2024, the Kolomyia District Court found the individual guilty of fraud and released him from punishment with a probation period of 2.5 years. The Ivano-Frankivsk Appellate Court overturned this decision, sentencing the fraudster to 2 years of imprisonment.