In Lviv, SSU cyber experts cracked down on an illegal network of call centers used to embezzle money from foreigners under the guise of investing in cryptocurrency.

The perpetrators used covert channels of IP telephony to contact with customers. The scam defrauded thousands of foreign investors.

According to the investigation, several locals equipped six illegal call centers in rented offices and apartments. The operators offered foreigners to invest money in stocks and cryptocurrency.

The victims transferred money to offenders’ bank cards and cryptowallets with further conversion into non-observed sector of economy.

During the searches, law enforcement officers seized the following:

• more than 100 items of computer equipment with headset;
• mobile devices and routers;
• forged accounting records with victims’ bank details and other documents with evidence of illegal activity.

The investigative actions are ongoing to prosecute those involved into illegal activity.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Main Office in Lviv region jointly with the SSU Department of CI Protection of the State`s Interests in the Sphere of Information Security under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.