Blacklist

Verified warnings, questionable cases, and records worth checking before investing.

Current entries

Moderation notes and warnings for investors.

9 Entries

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsFinanceBefore investing

Roman Babitskyi & Bohdan Shevchuk: A Case Study and Investor Warning 🛑

At a glance: Investor Kseniia describes investing $22,150 at 20% p.a. (February 11, 2022) with a company she links to Kyiv entrepreneur Roman Babitskyi . According to her, communication shifted to closed Telegram groups, payouts were postponed and tied to future events, and contact later faded. We整理 her account into a risk map and a practical checklist. Disclaimer: This article reflects the statements of one investor. We have not independently verified documents or registry entries. Named individuals are entitled to the presumption of innocence. Timeline ⏱️ Dec 2021: Seeks a 12-month placement targeting ~$4k profit. Feb 11, 2022: Transfers $22,150 at 20% in USD under a handwritten note between individuals (per her account). Feb 24, 2022: Full-scale war begins; she waits until maturity. 2023: Communication via managers/Telegram groups (≈100 and ≈65 participants, per her). New projects and events announced; repayment dates moved from summer to autumn. Later: She claims social accounts were removed and responses ceased; mentions other investors pursuing civil actions (not verified by us). Red Flags to note 🚩 Unusually high USD yield (20%+) without clear collateral. Vague currency/terms across USD/EUR/CNY. Paid access to “closed channels” for deal flow. Promissory note between individuals instead of a corporate contract with compliance. Messenger-only comms and no investor portal or reporting. Perpetual event launches/postponements used to justify delays. Large closed groups of backers —classic social-proof lever. Account deletions and radio silence at key milestones. How the trust façade is built 🧩 Borrowed credibility via photos with public figures and event appearances. Distributed responsibility across “managers/relatives/foreign entities.” Attention shifting to prospective crypto ventures rather than honoring prior liabilities. The Investor’s Checklist ✅ KYB/KYC: Identify beneficial owners; screen litigation, sanctions, and tax records. Contracts over notes: Clear jurisdiction, collateral, payout mechanics, and default clauses. Risk-return sanity check: Anything >5–10pp above the risk-free rate requires security. Audit trail: Bank wires, custodial/Exchange statements, independent bookkeeping. Official channels: Corporate emails, ticketing, and investor dashboards. Diversify: Cap single private debt exposure at ~10% of liquid net worth. If you’ve already been affected: action plan 🆘 Evidence pack: agreements/notes, payment proofs, chats, screenshots, witnesses. Formal demand letter via email + registered mail. Police report and obtain a case number. Civil claim for recovery; seek asset-freeze measures. Enforcement & asset tracing across jurisdictions with counsel. Community alerts to clubs, event hosts, and platforms to reduce further harm. Personal finance reset to rebuild cushions and avoid sunk-cost traps. Editorial note: This is a risk-management case study, not a legal finding. Always verify independently before committing capital.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsConstructionManufacturing

🏚️ Haus.me: How an Innovative Startup Turned into a Million-Dollar Scam

🧱 Promises of the Future That Fell Apart Ukrainian startup Haus.me , founded by Maksym Herbuth, promised a revolution in construction: autonomous houses, 3D printing, energy efficiency. Investors from around the world invested millions of dollars into the project, hoping for a breakthrough in housing. But the reality turned out very different. ⸻ 💸 Where Did the Investments Go? Instead of innovative homes, investors received plywood and foam panel houses that did not meet any standards. The money was reportedly spent on: • 🎉 A birthday party for Herbuth’s wife in the US • 🚖 Taxi rides for company staff • 🪑 Office furniture and equipment • 🚗 A personal car for a top manager Some investors who paid hundreds of thousands of dollars never received their homes; others had their units resold to new clients without consent. ⸻ ⚖️ Lawsuits and Criminal Cases In the US, several lawsuits have been filed against Haus.me and Maksym Herbuth, totaling over $2 million. The accusations include fraud, misuse of investor funds, and violation of contractual obligations. Similar proceedings have also been initiated in Ukraine. ⸻ 🔮 Possible Impact on the Ukrainian Investment Market • 📉 Loss of trust in Ukrainian startups : This case could deter potential investors from supporting Ukrainian projects. • 🛡️ Increased controls : Stricter verification processes for startups and their founders are likely to be implemented. • 📈 More transparency : Other companies may be forced to demonstrate greater openness and reporting to investors. ⸻ 🔍 Conclusion The story of Haus.me is a warning of how ambitious promises without a solid foundation can lead to large-scale fraud. Investors should be cautious and conduct thorough due diligence before funding any project.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsMilitary techSCUM

Lost Money: Investors Sue Zakhar Tereshchenko

In Ukraine’s Investment Environment: The Case of Zakhar Tereshchenko In Ukraine’s investment environment, stories are increasingly emerging where trusting investors fall victim to complex financial schemes. One such case involves Zakhar Tereshchenko — a man whose name is tied to manipulation, contradictory testimonies, and lost funds. Is he the main fraudster, or merely a pawn in someone else’s game? Let’s examine the details. Black List Inclusion The main reason for Tereshchenko’s inclusion in the "black list" was his inconsistent behavior in court. This concerns not just his formal role as director of LLC "First Contact", which attracts investments for drone development, but specific actions: changing his statements about the receipt and transfer of investors' funds. Initially, he claimed to have passed the money to his partner, but later muddled the situation, undermining trust in himself. These actions cast a shadow not only on his reputation but also on the legality of the entire process. Timeline of Events: From Promises to Deceit It all began when an investor asked Tereshchenko about the funds that, according to partner Borovyk, had not been received. Tereshchenko assured that he had handed the money to Borovyk and was even willing to testify in court, hinting at a conflict with him. However, five days later, in court, he completely changed his position, stating that the money was "not the same" or that the situation was "ambiguous." This sudden shift in testimony was the first sign of possible dishonesty. Borovyk’s Manipulations: An Evasion Scheme The key to understanding the situation lies in Borovyk’s actions — the alleged scheme organizer. He used proxy individuals and third-party accounts to receive investments, avoiding direct links to financial operations. Tereshchenko acted as a middleman: investors gave him the money, receiving notarized receipts. In court, Borovyk denied everything, shifting the blame onto Tereshchenko. This setup allowed Borovyk to stay in the shadows while leaving Tereshchenko exposed. Zakhar Tereshchenko’s Current Status Today, Tereshchenko has distanced himself from Borovyk and shifted his focus to drone development, once again attracting investors. However, his past is catching up with him: the receipts he signed could serve as grounds for legal action. It appears that Borovyk used him as a scapegoat, leaving Tereshchenko to face the wrath of defrauded investors. Whether he can clear his name depends on his future actions. Community Reaction: Publicity and Distrust In themed chats and investor groups, Tereshchenko’s story has gained traction. Previously, giving him money was considered a legitimate operation, but the court documents, where the parties contradict each other, changed perceptions. The community sees this as a typical case of fraud, where trust turns into financial loss. Investor Takeaways Zakhar Tereshchenko likely became a victim of Borovyk’s manipulations, who skillfully concealed his role in the scheme. However, the signed receipts make Tereshchenko legally responsible to investors who are now preparing lawsuits. Borovyk, avoiding direct involvement, left Tereshchenko alone to deal with the consequences. This situation is a classic example of financial fraud, where intermediaries take the fall and main organizers escape punishment. Investors should remember: trust without verification can be costly.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsConstructionReal estate

"Promprylad" is misleading investors: the case of restaurateur Oleksandr Tokmylenko

In the Ukrainian investment environment, projects that promise innovation and social benefits are increasingly appearing, but in practice turn out to be financial traps for gullible investors. One such example is Promprylad in Ivano-Frankivsk, led by Oleksandr Tokmylenko, a man whose reputation and management skills raise serious doubts. From restaurants to failed renovation Olexandr Tokmylenko, chairman of the board of Promprylad, came to the project with experience in managing restaurants (and he has 23 of them), but without any hint of competence in construction or renovation. His appointment to a key role in the project, which involves the reconstruction of an old factory with an area of tens of thousands of square meters, immediately aroused criticism. How can a person without specialized experience effectively manage a budget of tens of millions of dollars? The answer is obvious: no way. And the results were not long in coming. Inflated budgets and broken promises Promprylad started with loud statements about creating an innovative space with coworking and cultural centers. The initial budget of $30 million and an area of 36 thousand square meters seemed ambitious, but achievable. However, the reality turned out to be different: the budget grew to $56 million, and the area “miraculously” increased to $40 thousand, raising the cost of a square meter to $1,400. Investors who hoped for stable profitability received only inflated costs and talk about “rising prices for materials”. Isn’t this a classic scheme for justifying financial miscalculations? Opacity and losses Promprylad’s financial reports are a separate story of hopelessness. Year after year, they show losses without any signs of improvement, and the loss itself is not laid out in advance in the documents, only millions in profits. But not now, later. Investors who have invested are increasingly talking about selling their shares, having lost faith in the project. Instead of explanations, the management is offering new shares, diluting the shares of existing investors. This approach not only undermines trust, but also resembles a desperate attempt to save a sinking initiative at someone else's expense. A team without competencies The problem is not only in Tokmylenko. The project team is mainly made up of people from the restaurant business, not specialists in renovation or management of large infrastructure facilities. Instead of a clear strategy, investors see chaotic planning, organizational failures, and the lack of a systematic approach. Can tens of millions be entrusted to a team that does not know how to build, but only how to serve dishes? An investment trap without prospects Promprylad is increasingly being called a failed experiment hiding behind a screen of social significance. Rising costs, opaque decisions, and questionable management competence are turning it into a financial burden rather than a promising asset. New attempts to raise funds through a share issue only worsen the situation, making the project look like a pyramid scheme, where old investors pay for management mistakes. Conclusions for investors The experience of Promprylad should be a red flag for anyone considering such initiatives. Before investing, check the qualifications of the managers, real financial indicators, and the history of fulfilling promises. Without this, you risk becoming part of another story about lost millions and broken dreams. Promprylad under Tokmylenko is not an innovation, but a warning: invest wisely, not with faith in beautiful words.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsPyramidBefore investing

Oleksandr Vakulchuk: Riskologist or Apostle of Financial Pyramids?

In the investment world, where every second person calls themselves an “expert,” figures occasionally emerge whose actions raise alarm. One such figure is Oleksandr Vakulchuk — a self-proclaimed "riskologist" with experience in bank risk management. He runs an investment chat that supposedly promotes knowledge sharing but instead exposes participants to dubious schemes. Today we examine how this “professional” lures trusting investors into financial traps, including the controversial “Trading Fuel Company,” and why his activity is a red flag for anyone who values their money. Trading Fuel Company: Fueling the Fraud “Trading Fuel Company” promises sky-high 96% annual returns from fuel trading. Vakulchuk, positioning himself as a risk specialist, calls this scheme “non-transparent but not fraudulent.” He claims rising investments are a “positive signal” and praises the “realistic” look of the company’s office. Yet, behind the words is emptiness. Two companies — Globalrent1 LLC and TD Trading Fuel Company LLC — are led by Serhiy Havdis and Yuriy Zdor, both individuals without assets, with debts to PrivatBank, and frozen accounts. Havdis falsely calls himself the head of a corporate group, while Zdor is known for not paying child support. These companies claim €2 million in weekly turnover and fuel deliveries through Reni port — but where’s the documentation? Where’s the evidence? Their words can't be verified, and the projected €15 million growth is pure fantasy. Vakulchuk excuses himself: “I lack expertise in the fuel market, but it doesn’t seem like a pyramid.” This, coming from the creator of “How to Be Successful” course, is shocking. His “analysis” is superficial, and there are no investor protections in place. The Chatroom as a Scam Platform Vakulchuk’s investment chat was meant to be a forum for experience sharing but has become a platform for promoting shady projects. Beyond “Trading Fuel Company,” he promoted “First Contact” — a supposed charity initiative that turned out to be a front for collecting money with no outcomes. Participants lost access to the project while Vakulchuk dismissed concerns: “Everything’s fine.” His audience is not investors but potential victims lured in by charisma and grand titles. Instead of case studies — empty promises and encouragement to “take risks.” The Danger of a Fake Expert Vakulchuk is not just a naive dreamer. He consciously ignores criticism of “Trading Fuel Company,” heard since 2023, and still promotes it in 2025. Meanwhile, he’s pushing another shady scheme — “Inzhur” with 7% annual returns. How can such opposing scams coexist in a “riskologist’s” mind? The answer: greed and disregard for others. The investment community has already blacklisted him, calling him a “greedy investment gypsy.” That’s no exaggeration: someone aware of past failures but still seeking new victims is either blind or getting kickbacks. The latter seems more likely. Investor Takeaways Oleksandr Vakulchuk is an example of how “expertise” can mask deception. His activity isn’t about risk — it’s about recklessness. Before trusting such “gurus,” check their experience, reputation, and project outcomes. Without this, your money becomes fuel for someone else’s fraud. Stay vigilant: in a world where everyone’s a “riskologist,” common sense is your most valuable asset.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsPyramidBefore investing

Trading Fuel Company: як примітивна фінансова піраміда Рищука обдурює інвесторів

Український інвестиційний ринок регулярно стикається з проєктами, які обіцяють швидке збагачення, але на ділі виявляються пастками для довірливих громадян. Trading Fuel Company (TFC) — один із таких прикладів. Фактичним Бенефеціаром компанії є міський голова Олешок Херсонської області Євген Миколайович Рищук. TFC обіцяє швидкий прибуток від торгівлі пальним, але численні «червоні прапорці» вказують на те, що перед нами — класична фінансова піраміда. Розберемо деталі. Обіцянки, що не витримують перевірки TFC приваблює інвесторів захмарними пропозиціями: щотижневі виплати, 4,4% прибутку щомісяця та доставка пального з Європи. Початкова сума вкладень становила 20 000 грн, але згодом зросла до 50 000 грн — можливо, щоб зібрати більше грошей із нових учасників. Компанія хвалиться ліцензією, витягом із реєстру юридичних осіб, автопарком із 20 бензовозів і базою для зберігання пального на 12 000 літрів. У рекламі згадується обіг у 2 мільйони євро на тиждень, але жодних фінансових звітів, які б це підтвердили, немає. Офіс TFC вражає своєю простотою: дешеві меблі, застаріла техніка — це не те, що асоціюється з успішним бізнесом європейського рівня. Сайт компанії виглядає не краще: постановочні фото з грубим фотошопом, домени, створені у 2023 та 2024 роках, і перша версія, яка копіює шаблон відомої шахрайської схеми oil4you. Чи можна вірити таким «доказам» надійності? Нереальні цифри та реферальний обман Компанія заявляє, що її бензовози здійснюють три рейси на місяць, а в одному з відео йдеться про чотири. Для логістики пального це нереалістично — де підтвердження? Інформація про власність транспорту відсутня. TFC стверджує, що працює за договором позики, який нібито «гарантує» виплати та повернення суми через рік. Але договір — це не гарантія, якщо немає реального доходу. Реферальна програма, яка заохочує приводити нових інвесторів, лише посилює підозри: це класичний інструмент пірамід, де старі вкладники отримують гроші за рахунок нових. Компанія зареєстрована 2 лютого 2023 року, але стверджує про 5 років роботи. Ця брехня, як і зміна профілю діяльності з невідомого бізнесу на паливний, видає фальшиву «легенду», створену для залучення жертв. Ознаки шахрайства на виду Ось ключові сигнали, які не можна ігнорувати: Неринкові умови: 4,4% на місяць — це завищений показник, який нереальний без постійного притоку нових коштів. Щотижневі виплати: нетипово для легального бізнесу, більше схоже на приманку. Відсутність історії: два роки існування та зв’язок із oil4you говорять про брак досвіду. Непрозорість: жодних звітів чи даних про активи. Проблеми директора: у Рищука є арешт майна та виконавчі провадження. Примітивність: свіжі лендінги, фальшиві фото, копіювання заскамлених схем. Ця піраміда настільки очевидна, що її важко не помітити. На жаль, сотні людей уже постраждали, а збитки перевищили 40 мільйонів гривень. Висновки для потенційних інвесторів. TFC — це примітивна схема, яка живе за рахунок нових вкладів. Без реальних активів і прозорості вона приречена на крах, залишивши інвесторів ні з чим. Перевіряйте історію, вимагайте звітність і не вірте солодким обіцянкам — це ваш захист від обману.

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsAgricultureBefore investing

TATARCHUK OLEKSIY ANATOLIYOVYCH – CROPTEX

How Dishonest Projects Mislead Investors: The Case of Oleksiy Tatarchuk In Ukraine’s investment space, certain individuals attempt to attract funds from unsuspecting citizens using fake business plans and unverifiable promises. One example of such fraudulent behavior is the activity associated with the name Oleksiy Tatarchuk. The Story of Destroyed Stores and Lost Investments It is known that Oleksiy Tatarchuk was involved in managing at least two optical stores. According to former investors, these businesses were completely ruined, leading to a total loss of the funds invested. By the time the stores ceased operations, investors had received no profits, and the entrepreneur himself was allegedly involved in the deliberate misuse of resources. The Mythical “Cropter” and Fake Projects Another questionable initiative linked to Oleksiy Tatarchuk is the so-called "Cropter" project. Despite presentations and promises of innovative solutions, the actual operations never yielded the expected results. According to those who followed the development, the project was “dead” from the outset. However, this did not prevent repeated attempts to attract new investors by promising stable payouts and future growth. Repeated Fundraising and the Search for New Victims Observers of Tatarchuk’s activities note that even after the failure of the optical stores and the doomed "Cropter" project, he continues trying to attract money through new schemes. Presentations, introductions to a “client base,” and promises of high returns remain the unchanged tools of manipulation. A review of the available materials shows that these investment offers are structured in a way that makes it difficult for potential contributors to immediately verify the actual state of affairs. At the same time, so-called “professionals” are recruited to manage investment portfolios, develop business models, and communicate with investors — all for unrealistically low compensation. This suggests an intent to once again exploit others' money for unstable ventures, which — based on past experience — are doomed to fail. Social Irresponsibility and Lack of Ethics All presented facts paint a portrait of a person who disregards ethical and legal norms. Funds entrusted for business development disappeared without a trace, investors lost their savings, and no actual functioning project was ever established. Key Takeaways for Potential Investors The experiences of those who have already dealt with Oleksiy Tatarchuk’s dubious initiatives should serve as a warning to new participants in the investment market. Before entrusting funds to unfamiliar individuals or companies, one must thoroughly examine the track record of their past activities, verify their reputation among other investors and industry experts, and critically evaluate the viability of the proposed business model. Without a responsible approach to verifying information, an investor risks falling into a trap where their funds not only fail to generate profit but may also be lost without a trace. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CROPTEX

Risk signalBlacklistSCUM

Sergey Lukyanov: how the fraudster from "Rostovshchik" deceived thousands of investors and disappeared with three million dollars

Sergey Lukyanov, the organizer of the fraudulent scheme with the Rostovshchyk credit union, managed to deceive more than ten thousand Ukrainian investors. The experienced swindler, previously convicted of similar crimes, is now hiding abroad. People claim to have seen him in Palma de Mallorca, Florida and even Vietnam, but law enforcement agencies are in no hurry to look for the fraudster. For several years, Lukyanov attracted depositors' funds at high interest rates through the Rostovshchyk credit union and production cooperative. At first, his project seemed reliable: opening new offices in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, regular interest payments and even prize draws among depositors. However, everything turned out to be part of a scam. The imaginary pawnshops, jewelry and high interest rates existed only on paper. With the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Lukyanov suddenly stopped payments and disappeared, and his offices stopped answering phones. Depositors tried in vain to contact law enforcement, who sent them to commercial courts, warning that there were no assets to return the funds. The total amount of stolen funds is estimated at three million dollars, but it is practically impossible for depositors to get their money back. The fraudster has disappeared, and is probably now enjoying life on the coast, leaving thousands of people without savings. SEO-keywords in the title: Sergey Lukyanov, Rostovshchik credit union, fraud, investors, financial scam SEO-keywords in the description: fraudulent schemes, Lukyanov the fraudster, how investors were deceived, investment fraud, credit union scams

Risk signalBlacklistReviewsMilitary techSCUM

Valeriy Borovyk and his Project First Contact

🇬🇧 “First Contact” Investigation — Full Set of Facts This material draws on investors’ internal documents, court registers, open YouControl data, dozens of video interviews and public statements by Valerii Borovyk. 1️⃣ Key Points at a Glance $425 000 in investments raised in autumn 2023 to launch production of drone motors and propellers. 0 % readiness: not a single serial part shown in 20 months. BMW X6 2024 and a new flat ⇒ major personal spending by the founder. €23 600 + court fees — ruling of the Chernihiv court on 11 Nov 2024 in favour of one investor. The SBU denied that “Osa” drones took part in the high-profile “Pavutyna” operation. 2️⃣ Extended Timeline 🗓 September–October 2023 • At pitch events Borovyk shows “prototypes” of motors and propellers, insisting that “everything is ready, only machines are missing.” • Target set at $500 000 ; $425 000 closed in six weeks. 🗓 December 2023 • Contracts signed to “buy 0.75 % of share capital” in an LLC with a charter fund of ₴3 000 . • Key clause: all risks fall on the investor, and reporting is “on request, if it does not harm military secrecy.” 🗓 January–April 2024 • Instead of equipment, investors get “pre-orders” and excuses about Chinese New Year. • The engineering team is officially “disbanded”, yet money remains under the founder’s control. 🗓 31 May 2024 • Property register records a BMW X6 2024 — dealer price ≈ €100 600 . 🗓 13–27 August 2024 • The announced “business trip” abroad is in fact a holiday in Portugal. 🗓 September 2024 • The founder cedes part of Kyiv real estate to his ex-wife and buys her a new flat (≈ ₴6.8 million ). 🗓 11 November 2024 • Chernihiv court orders €23 600 to be recovered for an investor, citing non-performance and lack of reports. 🗓 2025 • Despite lawsuits, a new fundraising round opens for the underwater drone VAL-1 (company valuation again $3 million ). • Media repeat claims that “Osa” drones joined “Pavutyna”; the SBU clarifies its own in-house designs were used. 3️⃣ Where Did the Money Go? 💸 🔑 $107 000 — personal mortgage payoff by the founder (court file, April 2024). 🏢 53 m² flat — registered to the family in September 2024. ⚙️ Machines: photo audit shows six Chinese units worth ≈ $80 000 (instead of $400 000 in the budget). 4️⃣ Main Fraud Patterns and Tactics 🚩 Financial fairy-tale — payback “in 4 months”, average profitability “45 %”. Rubber contracts — the start-up’s only solid duty is to re-register a minimal LLC share. Untraceable transfers — cash with a receipt, cryptocurrency, funds via third-party sole traders. “Empty” legal entities — ₴3 000 charter capital, no financial reports for eight years. Personal shopping — cars, real estate, loan closures. Zero reporting — any request dismissed as “classified”. Team rotations — engineers and accountants replaced under the banner of “security”. Interview world tour — 60 + public appearances where the founder poses as cosmonaut, producer, Elon Musk’s adviser, and “the first to show FPV to Zaluzhnyi”. 5️⃣ Market Impact and Outlook 🔮 • Finances under a microscope: investors now demand escrow, payment tracking and monthly P&L reports. • NSSMC template contract: a standard with clear KPIs and penalties for non-performance is being drafted. • Capital pivot: money flows into the Brave1 cluster, which has already issued 470 grants worth ≈ $35 million . • Corporate ventures: large defence groups create CVC funds to acquire start-ups with real R&D. • Reputation filter: private mil-tech projects without an audit are doomed — market trust is near zero.