Powerful associates, international travelers, and expensive vehicles: Insights into the rich background of the TG-Channel owner, the vocal opponent of the gambling industry.
Hitting the Jackpot: Joker's Chaotic Rampage Exposed
Here's the lowdown on the infamous Ukrainian character, Roman Kravets. Local media and investigative bodies have linked him to the controversy-drenched Telegram channel "Joker".
This isn't your ordinary he-said-she-said scenario. Over two dozen individuals - policymakers, ex-officials, and secret service employees - have stepped forward, speaking with reporters from hromadske. Their testimonies, diverse in nature and conviction, leave no room for doubt regarding Kravets' alleged involvement as the puppet master behind "Joker."
"Joker's" subscriber list swells at a whopping 268,000+, with its prime target being the gambling industry. Over the past few months, it's taken down at least six gambling companies. The Telegram channel throws its financial weight around, setting some colossal prices for advertising and silencing negative press. According to the channel, a simple ad costs $47,500, while stopping publications will set you back $389,000, and removal demands $236,000.
Uklon, a company that refused "Joker's" demands for $200,000 to halt its attacks, has found itself in the crosshairs. Kravets, on the other hand, lives it up. He calls luxury apartment complex 'Chicago' home, shelling out at least $2,000 a month in rent. Neighbors include former Presidential Administration head Andrei Bogdan and developer Andrei Vavrysh.
Investigators estimate that Kravets has splurged over 8 million UAH on cars over the past two years, frequently jetting to the border and cycling through six different vehicles for these journeys.
But it's not just his lavish lifestyle that has raised eyebrows. Kravets has a penchant for name-dropping. Inside sources claim he considers a top medical official, Arahmiya, a close pal, while boasting about "several governors" as companions.
"Joker" even has its own personal security squad, according to sources. They claim that this force, fondly referred to by Kravets as a "gift from Malyuk" (Head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk), was provided by the SBU itself. During a run-in with journalists, one of the guards even introduced himself as an SBU employee, stating, "we have our work, and you have yours."
Kravets has publicly acknowledged his exclusive security team and domestic dwelling in the Netherlands, but maintains that he previously sold "Joker" two years ago. The SBU also later denied providing security to Roman Kravets.
The enigmatic Kravets remains a Runaway Ron amidst the unraveling mystery, with Ukrainian authorities nipping at his heels but no formal charges in sight. Critics argue that the handling of this case highlights the challenges faced by the SBU in combating cybercrime and disinformation in Ukraine's wartime climate.
This article reflects claims from Ukrainian sources and media reports. Independent verification of evidence has yet to be publicly disclosed.
- Roman Kravets, the notorious figure connected to the contentious Telegram channel "Joker," is said to have amassed a significant number of celebrity neighbors, such as Andrei Bogdan and Andrei Vavrysh, due to residing in the luxurious 'Chicago' apartment complex.
- Leaking into the realm of entertainment beyond Ukraine, testimonies from various individuals, including policymakers and secret service employees, implicate Kravets as the alleged puppet master of "Joker."
- "Joker" has been infamous in the general-news sphere for its estimated 268,000+ subscribers, primarily targeting the gambling industry, with strong financial influence over advertising and press manipulation, according to reported prices.
- Amidst the controversy, Kravets has been provocatively spending millions on luxury cars and reportedly jetting to the borders, cycling through six vehicles during the past two years.
- The Ukrainian authorities have expressed concern about the involvement of Kravets and "Joker" in crime-and-justice matters, with some suggesting this case exposes challenges in combating cybercrime and disinformation during Ukraine's wartime climate.
