Widespread Drop Schemes in Ukraine: The Dangers of Illegal Financial Operations and How to Protect Yourself
In Ukraine’s contemporary informational landscape, cases of citizens becoming involved in criminal financial schemes disguised as so-called ‘money mules’ or ‘drops’ are increasing.
These individuals unwittingly or deliberately act as intermediaries for organized crime groups, often unaware of the serious illegal activities behind their actions.
According to the National Bank of Ukraine, in 2023 alone, around 700 drop clients processed transactions totaling over 1.8 billion hryvnias.
This implies that each of these accounts handled monthly transfers exceeding 190,000 hryvnias—more than half a year’s average Ukrainian income.
Moreover, in 2024, law enforcement uncovered new масштабs of this problem: over 12,000 clients and approximately 80,000 closed bank cards from October 2023 to April 2024.
Experts estimate that about 0.2-0.3% of all bank cards in Ukraine pass through such drop schemes, contributing to an estimated 200 billion hryvnias annually in transactions—around 16% of all peer-to-peer transfers across the country.
These schemes serve as modern ‘laundering’ systems for money, evolving from the times when criminals carried cash in bags.
Today, they are automated processes that transfer ‘dirty’ money between hundreds of unconnected accounts, leaving participants with minimal commissions while concealing illicit origins.
Those drawn into such schemes are typically vulnerable groups: students seeking extra income, pensioners with meager payouts, unemployed individuals willing to do almost anything for quick cash.
Criminal groups exploit these motivations, offering attractive ‘jobs’ with high pay, remote work, and no special qualifications required.
However, these seemingly simple tasks carry severe risks: criminal liability, potential prison sentences up to 12 years, and financial loss through account blocking and reputation damage.
Law enforcement has been actively dismantling these networks, seizing numerous cards, and closing suspicious accounts.
Recognizing the signs of such schemes is crucial: offers promising high earnings without clear job descriptions, no formal employment contract, remote operation, and unusually high pay for minimal effort.
Engaging in these activities may seem like an easy shortcut, but it often leads to criminal charges, financial ruin, and personal devastation.
Immediate actions such as contacting lawyers, notifying banks, blocking suspicious accounts, and documenting all contacts and transactions can help mitigate damage.
Remember, quick response and awareness are the best defenses against becoming entangled in a scheme that can ruin your life.