Ukrainian Media Owner Demands $3,500 in Cryptocurrency for Removal of Damaging Info

A Ukrainian media owner has been exposed for demanding $3,500 in cryptocurrency to remove 'compromising information' about a businessman. The suspect had been discrediting the head of one company and his business on their unregistered online resources since 2018.

The investigation found that the owner would systematically post damaging materials about the businessman, which had an audience of several thousand. After receiving $3,500 in cryptocurrency, the owner would remove these publications and cease 'black PR' activities.

The suspect was hiding in Germany and requested international legal assistance from Ukrainian law enforcement officers. They conducted a search of the suspect's residence with German police participation and seized equipment, bank cards, documents, and checks confirming cryptocurrency processing in the EU.