Ways of Concealing Fraud Committed by Members of Organized Criminal Groups in Ukraine
Abstract
Abstract. The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of methods used to conceal fraud committed by members of organized criminal groups in Ukraine. The relevance of the research stems from the increasing complexity of such crimes, their high level of secrecy, the active use of legal instruments to disguise the illegal origin of assets, and the widespread presence of corrupt connections that hinder the effective response of the law enforcement system. The aim of the study is to explore in depth the methods of concealing fraud committed by members of organized criminal groups in Ukraine, taking into account their criminal-law nature, differences from covert operations, and practical manifestations in judicial practice, in order to develop effective approaches to countering such offenses. The methodological basis of the study includes a combination of formal-legal, comparative legal, systemic-structural, logical-legal methods, and content analysis of court rulings. Special attention is paid to the analysis of court decisions regarding the legalization of fraudulently obtained assets, the use of front persons and fictitious documents, formalization of transactions, and the involvement of corrupt officials. As a result of the study, the main methods of concealing fraud committed within organized groups and criminal organizations have been identified. These include threats, violence, or murder of witnesses and victims; involving third parties in asset legalization; fabricating legal grounds for acquiring property; forging official documents to conceal identities or circumstances of the fraud; transferring property rights to front persons with subsequent management through powers of attorney; staging transactions between controlled parties to legalize assets; simulating legitimate business activity (or partially conducting it); and involving corrupt public officials.
Keywords: fraud; crime concealment; organized criminal groups; asset legalization; document forgery; secrecy.
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References
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