Ukrainian Authorities Shut Down Call Center Scam with Thousands of Victims

Authorities have dismantled a scam call center in Ukraine run by criminals who posed as bank IT security employees to carry out widespread fraud. The center claimed thousands of victims before the malicious operation was shut down.

The operation, established by three residents of Dnipro, involved 37 operators who launched their deceitful campaign against citizens of Kazakhstan.

After contacting their victims, the con artists informed them that their bank accounts had been compromised, tricking them into handing over sensitive financial information to prevent further damage. The perpetrators then used the data to drain victims’ bank accounts.

Operators also obtained quick loans and transferred the money into controlled accounts using crypto wallets and offshore bank accounts. About 18,000 Kazakhstan citizens fell victim to the unscrupulous operation.

The scheme was shut down in a joint effort from the Cyber ​​Police Department, the Main Investigative Department of the National Police, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Republic of Kazakhstan police.

“Law enforcement officers searched the premises where the call center was located and the residences of the suspects,” reads the Cyber Police of Ukraine’s announcement. “45 pieces of computer equipment, mobile phones, SIM cards and draft records were seized. During the inspection of the seized equipment, the cyber police discovered databases with personal data of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This information was used to embezzle money from their accounts.”

While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have opened a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 190 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which carries a maximum prison sentence of eight years for the involved parties.