At the onset of the large-scale invasion, a man left Ukraine and irresponsibly formed a group of 11 individuals who set fire to private properties in various regions for money. He recruited participants through Telegram, hoping for complete anonymity.

The cost of one arson act ranged from $500 to $3000. The criminals prepared meticulously: they conducted reconnaissance, crafted "Molotov cocktails," and sent video evidence of their completed tasks to their clients. They managed to destroy four private houses and five apartments.

In January 2024, law enforcement arrested all 11 perpetrators. After several months of investigation, the organizer—a 27-year-old man hiding in Romania—was also found. He was handed over to Ukrainian authorities at the "Orlivka" border crossing in the Odesa region. The perpetrator has been remanded in custody.

All participants have been charged with willful destruction or damage to property as part of an organized criminal group (Part 3 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The pre-trial investigation has concluded, and the case materials have been sent to court. The defendants face up to ten years in prison.

This incident underscores that Telegram creates only the illusion of anonymity. Law enforcement will track down everyone, even those who think they can hide abroad.