Crime report (zaiava) to the police

When you need it

A crime report (заява про кримінальне правопорушення) is a formal notification to the police about an offence: theft, fraud (including online), property damage, bodily harm, threats, etc. It is what triggers a pre-trial investigation.

Where and how to file

You can file in writing or orally at any police station — regardless of where the incident happened — or call 102. Police must accept reports around the clock and give you a receipt confirming acceptance.

Online. For cybercrime (online fraud, hacked accounts, etc.) the cyber-police run an e-appeal system — ticket.cyberpolice.gov.ua; the National Police portal has a form too. No electronic signature is needed and you can attach evidence. Note: an online report is registered under the Law "On Citizens' Appeals", so to reliably start criminal proceedings (entry into the register and a receipt), filing in person or calling 102 is safer.

What it must contain

• the police unit you are addressing;
• your full name, address and phone number;
• the circumstances: what happened, when and where, who was involved (if known);
• the damage caused (amount, property) and available evidence — screenshots, receipts, witnesses;
• a request to enter the information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (ЄРДР);
• date and signature.

You will be warned about criminal liability for a knowingly false crime report (art. 383 of the Criminal Code).

Deadlines and what happens next

Under art. 214 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the investigator must enter the information into the register within 24 hours of your report. You are entitled to an extract with the case number.

If the information is not entered, the inaction can be challenged before an investigating judge under art. 303 of the Code within 10 days.

Legal basis

• Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, arts. 60, 214, 303;
• Criminal Code of Ukraine, art. 383.