The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law on October 28 introducing criminal liability for transferring bank cards, accounts, and payment data for use in fraudulent schemes. Punishment is provided both for account holders who knowingly help criminals and for organizers of such operations.

270 MPs voted for bill No. 16013, the Verkhovna Rada press service reported.

The document is aimed at combating so-called "drops" — people who provide their bank accounts or payment cards for illegal financial operations. Such accounts are used, in particular, to receive and transfer money stolen from citizens.

The law establishes different punishments depending on the person's role in the fraudulent scheme.

For knowingly handing over a payment card, personal data, or access to a bank account or e-wallet for the purpose of committing a crime by others, a fine of 5,100 to 17,000 hryvnias is provided.

More severe punishment is set for those who buy, receive, store, or resell other people's payment instruments for use in criminal operations. Such actions face:

  • a fine of 51,000 to 85,000 hryvnias;
  • restriction of liberty for up to three years;
  • imprisonment for a term of two to four years.

Repeat offenses or participation in an organized group carry a fine of 85,000 to 170,000 hryvnias or imprisonment for a term of four to six years.

However, the law allows exemption from criminal liability for a person who provided their payment instruments for criminal activity for the first time, if they voluntarily report the violation and actively assist in its disclosure and termination.

Separately, liability for illegal seizure of payment instruments and means of access to accounts has been expanded, particularly through theft, fraud, or abuse of trust.

Importantly, the new rules apply specifically to transferring bank data or access to accounts for the purpose of committing a crime. The very act of giving a card to another person without such intent does not automatically trigger criminal liability under these provisions.

The bill passed first reading on September 15. During further elaboration, MPs changed the sanctions: previously, up to eight years of imprisonment was proposed for repeated offenses or organized group activity, while the final adopted version provides for a maximum of six years.

The changes should also bring Ukrainian legislation closer to European rules on combating fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash payment instruments.

According to the bill's card, as of October 28, the document is being prepared for signature. Thus, the new provisions it contains have not yet entered into force.

Based on materials: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, card of bill No. 16013