In the Vitebsk region, more than 30 criminal cases have been initiated for theft by using computer technology, combined with unauthorized access to computer information

In accordance with the requirements of Article 212 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, liability is provided for the misappropriation of property by altering information processed in a computer system, stored on machine carriers, or transmitted via data transmission networks, or by introducing false information into a computer system.

Simultaneously with the intensive development of computer technologies, the number of individuals wishing to gain material benefits through dishonest means from trusting Internet users by stealing their funds, including through unauthorized access to computer information, is also increasing.

For example, since November last year, the department for uncovering high-tech crimes of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee has been receiving numerous appeals from residents of the republic stating that unidentified persons, using the Internet, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, block the Internet browsers of citizens of the Republic of Belarus, demanding monetary funds for payment of administrative responsibility for viewing websites containing pornographic material, to the subscriber numbers of SOOO "MTS" and ZAO "BeST".

Some of the trusting citizens, without reliably verifying who they were actually corresponding with, immediately transferred funds in the amount of 500 thousand Belarusian rubles and above, as subsequently established, to so-called computer fraudsters. At the same time, recipients of such messages had not actually committed any administrative offenses or crimes via the Internet.

Currently, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus for the Vitebsk region has initiated more than 30 criminal cases under Article 212, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (theft by using computer technology, combined with unauthorized access to computer information), and 3 criminal cases under Article 351 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (computer sabotage) against individuals who committed the noted criminal acts. As a result of operational-search activities sanctioned by the Prosecutor's Office of the Vitebsk region and necessary investigative actions, the circumstances and individuals involved in the commission of the noted crimes have been established.

Currently, the identity of a citizen of the Russian Federation has been reliably established. This individual hired citizens of the Republic of Belarus to work within the republic for the purpose of acquiring SIM cards from citizens, followed by placing these numbers on a website that blocks the operation of Internet browsers to obtain funds.

With regard to one of the accomplices in the criminal group, the Prosecutor's Office of the Vitebsk region, taking into account the severity and circumstances of the committed crimes, as well as the amount of damage caused, has chosen a measure of restraint in the form of detention. In total, about 1000 people have suffered from the actions of the guilty parties, with the estimated damage amounting to over 550 million Belarusian rubles.

Considering the information provided, we would like to once again draw the attention of the residents of our region to the fact that in case of receiving similar dubious offers via the Internet regarding the need to pay various fines, fees, or duties, it is necessary to first reliably ascertain who is actually corresponding with them, and whether the unknown person is authorized to perform such actions by the relevant institutions or organizations. In case of the slightest suspicion of the unreliability of the electronic notifications received, immediately inform the internal affairs bodies about their receipt. The noted work of law enforcement agencies in preventing crimes of this type will continue to be under the constant control of the Vitebsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Deputy Head of the Investigation Supervision Department Yu. Ambros.