Understanding Article 190 of the Criminal Code
She told you she loved you. She said she needed help — money for rent, food, or her dog’s surgery. You sent it. Then she disappeared. Or worse — kept coming back with new stories.
If this happened to you, you’re not alone. Many men in the U.S. have fallen victim to long-distance “relationships” with Ukrainian or Russian women they met online. But here’s something most victims don’t realize:
Under Ukrainian law, many of these scams are not just unethical — they’re criminal.
Let’s break it down.
🔹 What Is Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine?
Article 190 of the Criminal Code defines fraud as obtaining money, property, or rights through deception or abuse of trust.
That includes situations where a woman pretends to care about you, builds emotional trust, and then uses that to take your money.
Whether it’s:
- A fake story about a visa
- An emergency surgery
- A war-related excuse
- Or a romantic promise to visit
… if there was no real intention to follow through, it’s not just heartbreak — it may be criminal fraud.
🔹 Real Example: A $7,000 Scam with a Fake Visa
One of our clients met a Ukrainian woman on a dating app. Over two years, she built trust, told him she wanted to visit, and sent a photo of a U.S. tourist visa.
He sent her money to help with “paperwork” and “tickets.”
She disappeared soon after.
We investigated the document — the visa was fake.
We helped him prepare a report under Article 190, and now legal action is underway in Ukraine.
🔹 Is Asking for Money Online a Crime?
If someone lies to you, knowing they’re lying, and takes your money — that can be fraud.
In Ukrainian law, this is especially true when:
- The scam involves fake documents
- The scammer used email, video calls, or text to build trust
- You lost a significant amount of money
The bigger the loss — the stronger the case.
🔹 Penalties Under Article 190: What Scammers Face
Depending on the amount of money and how the fraud was committed, punishment may include:
- ✅ Up to 12 years in prison
- ✅ Confiscation of assets
- ✅ Harsher penalties if the scam involved:
- A group of people
- Use of computers or mobile tech
- Actions during wartime
- Losses over ₴908,400 (approx. $23,000 USD)
In 2025, any scam above ₴151,400 (~$3,800) qualifies as “significant harm” and opens the door to serious legal consequences.
🔹 Can You Sue a Ukrainian Woman for Romance Scam?
Yes — but you’ll need evidence and local legal help. That’s where we come in.
We specialize in helping men like you take action.
📌 Learn more here:
👉 How to bring to justice the Ukrainian scam on dating sites
🔹 How We Help Foreign Victims of Romance Fraud
Our services include:
- ✅ Verifying the identity of Ukrainian and Russian women
- ✅ Checking the authenticity of visas, passports, and documents
- ✅ Collecting chat logs, IP info, and scam patterns
- ✅ Preparing reports that meet the standards of Ukrainian law enforcement
Whether you lost $500 or $15,000 — if there’s deception, there may be a case.
🔹 Warning Signs of Criminal Fraud in Online Dating
Be cautious if she:
- 💸 Asks for money soon after meeting you online
- 🏥 Shares stories about medical emergencies, surgeries, or dog operations
- 📅 Promises to visit you — but never shows up
- 🛂 Sends you a visa or document you can’t verify
- 💔 Claims she’s a refugee or victim of war but refuses to meet in person
- 🔁 Keeps changing her story or city — “now in Paris, now in Warsaw…”
These are classic scam patterns we see weekly.
❓FAQ: Criminal Fraud & Romance Scams in Ukraine
Can I report a Ukrainian scammer from the U.S.?
Yes. If the fraud was committed by a person in Ukraine, Ukrainian law applies. With evidence, legal action is possible — even from abroad.
Is asking for money online considered a crime?
Not always. But if the money was requested based on false promises, it can be qualified as criminal fraud.
How much money counts as a serious crime?
In 2025, losses above ₴151,400 (~$3,800) are considered “significant” and allow for tougher penalties under Article 190.
What if she used a fake visa or document?
That strengthens the case — using forged papers is an aggravating factor in criminal fraud cases.
What age does criminal responsibility begin in Ukraine?
16 years old. If she’s an adult, she can be prosecuted.
🛡 Don’t Stay Silent. Act Now.
Romance scams are painful — but they’re also punishable by law.
If you believe you’ve been scammed by a woman in Ukraine or Eastern Europe, we can help you act.
✅ Real investigations
✅ Legal-grade reports
✅ Ukrainian legal partners
