SBU cyber experts stopped embezzlement of investors' funds under the guise of their participation in online auction on international stock exchanges.

It was established that two residents of Kyiv organized the illegal business. They unlawfully acquired client databases of financial and credit institutions. The offenders rented six offices in different areas of the city, where they set up call centers with more than 500 operators. They called clients on behalf of a trading company and advised to invest money in shares of well-known companies on international stock exchanges. Initially, the "brokers" offered to invest small amounts as if to verify the reliability of the offer.

The offenders used special software to show online auction to investors. They also registered personal accounts for customers, informing about an "increase" in price of purchased shares, and offered to raise contributions.

Allegedly, the offenders extorted up to USD 5,000 from each victim. After decision to withdraw money, a customer was informed about the company's bankruptcy. During the scam, the organizers managed to withdraw more than USD 3 million via anonymous cryptocurrency wallets.

During searches of call centers, law enforcement officers found computers, mobile devices and software used to misappropriate investors’ funds.

The investigation is ongoing. The offenders are to be served notices of suspicion for fraud and illegal actions providing access to bank accounts.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office no.4.