The Security Service, in conjunction with the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has uncovered a large-scale network of clandestine call centres in the Lviv region that were defrauding Ukrainian and EU citizens of their money.

During searches, nearly USD 2 million and UAH 300,000 in cash were found in the possession of the perpetrators, as well as a fleet of luxury cars worth a total of over USD 1 million.

The investigation revealed that the fraudulent scheme operated under the guise of providing financial services. In particular, call centre operators would telephone potential victims and introduce themselves as employees of banks and other financial institutions.

The fraudsters convinced the victims that, in order to supposedly protect their savings, they needed to provide their bank details or transfer funds themselves to accounts controlled by the criminals.

During urgent investigative operations, the law enforcement agencies carried out more than 20 searches at the homes and offices of the scheme’s organisers.

Among other things, dozens of items of computer equipment, bank cards and records containing evidence of the crime were found in the possession of those involved. Information was also obtained regarding other individuals believed to be involved in the operation of the network of fraudulent call centres.

The searches were carried out as part of criminal proceedings initiated under two Articles of the CCU:

• 190.4 (fraud, committed on an especially large scale);
• 209.3 (legalisation (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means).

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Lviv region jointly with the National Police, under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.