Toronto cops charge B.C. man with fraud targeting Ukrainian citizens living abroad

2 weeks ago 10

Accused allegedly booked multiple appointments for government services using 'bots,' then advertised and sold them through Ukrainian social media platforms and chat groups

Published Apr 24, 2026 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 2 minute read

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A 44-year-old man from British Columbia faces charges in Toronto after Ukrainian citizens living abroad were allegedly targeted in a fraud scheme.

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Toronto Police say its Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint on Jan. 29 from a Ukrainian state-sponsored organization.

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According to police, the organization facilitates administrative services for Ukrainians living abroad, including the issuance and renewal of passports, identification cards, and other official government documents.

Individuals seeking to access these services are required to book an appointment through an online portal operated by State Enterprise Document, and there is no cost associated with reserving a spot through this system, police say.

Personal information is used to secure appointments, and State Enterprise Document is the only entity authorized by the Ukrainian government to provide these services outside of Ukraine.

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‘Bots’ scooped up bookings: Cops

Cops allege that individuals were unable to book appointments through the official online portal as automated software applications, commonly known as “bots,” were being used to flood the system and secure a high volume of appointments.

The suspect or suspects allegedly booked multiple appointments through the online portal, police say. These appointments were then advertised and sold through Ukrainian social media platforms and chat groups to individuals residing in Canada and the United States.

Police say individuals who purchased these appointments attended the appointments in person and discovered the bookings were not registered in their name.

Tsawwassen man arrested and charged

On Tuesday, Sergiy Manko, of Tsawwassen, B.C., was arrested and charged with fraud under $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

Investigators believe there may be more suspects and alleged victims.

The accused is scheduled to appear in a Toronto court on June 23 to answer to the charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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