Fraudulent call centers dismantled in Ukraine and EU: key organizers detained.

According to ТСН: A significant transnational network of fraudulent call centers, which deceived EU citizens, has been dismantled in Ukraine and European Union countries. The suspects have already been informed of their charges, and several foreigners have been detained for further extradition.

According to the Office of the General Prosecutor, a complex fraudulent network operating in Ukraine was identified and neutralized during the pre-trial investigation, systematically misleading citizens of EU countries. Employees of these centers recruited Europeans to work in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Ivano-Frankivsk, forcing victims to transfer money to 'safe' accounts, using cryptocurrency and installing remote access software.

Fraud Methods

The main fraud methods included 'vishing' and 'spoofing', altering phone numbers, as well as fabricated legends on behalf of the police and banks. Victims were forced to follow instructions, allowing fraudsters to obtain funds and personal data, which were then used for further crimes.

Results of the Special Operation

Over the course of several months, law enforcement conducted more than 70 searches in Kyiv, Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. As a result:

• 11 persons have been informed of charges under Part 1, 2 of Article 255 and Parts 4, 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine;

• 6 foreigners, wanted by EU countries, have been detained for extradition;

• more than 200 units of computer and server equipment, mobile phones, information carriers, documentation, and premium-class vehicles have been seized;

• at least 50 episodes of fraud have been recorded, with damages exceeding 50 million UAH, and 47 citizens of the EU have been affected.

The 'Connect' operation was conducted within the framework of a joint investigation team and international legal assistance agreements. The success of the operation was made possible through the coordination of prosecutors and investigators from several countries and the operational exchange of information with European partners.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing: analysis of electronic evidence is being conducted, new episodes of fraud and individuals involved in the network's activities are being established.

In recent months, 277 fraudulent sites have been dismantled across various regions of Ukraine with the participation of Ukrainian prosecutors and international partners.

The Office of the General Prosecutor urges citizens: do not give your card details, CVV codes, passwords, and one-time codes to third parties. Ukraine, together with European partners, continues to destroy transnational fraudulent networks and protect citizens from financial fraud.

Recall that earlier it was reported about the exposure of a call center in Transcarpathia, whose employees were looking for victims among citizens of the Czech Republic and other Europeans, using schemes with fake investment offers.