Cybersecurity experts from the Security Service and National Police conducted a multi-stage special operation across Ukraine. As a result of comprehensive measures within one day, the activities of over 100 call centers were halted, which were involved in stealing personal data and savings from Ukrainian and foreign citizens.
This special operation is part of the systematic efforts of the Security Service to counter Russian special services, which are attempting to disrupt the socio-political situation in Ukraine through various means.
According to the investigation, the criminals offered their victims opportunities to "earn on the stock exchange," "invest" money in cryptocurrency, or receive dubious "profits" from gambling.
The perpetrators also invented pretexts, such as "your close relative had a car accident and money is needed to settle the matter" or "we help people move from conflict zones."
In addition, the exposed call centers operated as online casinos for well-known brokerage companies and bookmakers.
During the process of extorting money, the criminals collected personal data about their clients, including passport information, phone numbers, and more.
Subsequently, this information could end up in the hands of Russian special services, which could use it for remotely recruiting new agents.
During searches in the call centers and the organizers' residences, over 4,000 pieces of computer equipment, mobile phones, starter packs, and other evidence of criminal activities were found.
As part of the criminal investigation initiated under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud), the issue of notifying the suspects about the charges and selecting preventive measures is being addressed.
The investigation is ongoing, and the perpetrators may face up to 12 years in prison.
It is noteworthy that in recent months, the Security Service has liquidated nearly 30 call centers in various regions of Ukraine, some of which were coordinated by Russian special services.
in Vinnytsia:
SSU cybersecurity experts have eliminated a large-scale call center operating within one of the correctional facilities in the region. The illegal activity was organized by the so-called "overseer" of the colony, associated with Russian criminal elements. The criminals were responsible for nearly 70% of all fraudulent schemes ever applied to one of the leading state banks in Ukraine. Almost 30 inmates of the prison made phone calls to clients of financial institutions, pretending to provide online services and fraudulently taking money from them.
In Dnipropetrovsk region:
A criminal organization has been neutralized, whose members gathered information about captured soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and then extorted money from their relatives. Through various "sums," the individuals involved promised to help bring home Ukrainian defenders. As a result of comprehensive measures, seven members of the group have been detained. They have been informed of the charges and taken into custody.
In Cherkasy region:
The organizer of a local call center has been exposed, operating for the sanctioned company "Yandex." He engaged 30 local residents in underground activities. The participants remotely provided dispatch services to "Yandex.Taxi" taxi fleets in one of the countries in Central Asia. It has been established that during 2023, this illegal business allowed the transfer of over 1 million dollars in equivalent to the Russian budget.
Investigations are ongoing for all revealed facts to determine all the circumstances of the crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
Comprehensive measures were carried out jointly with the National Police under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor's office.
