In Kharkiv, the SSU cyber units and National Police blocked fraudsters who misappropriated citizens’ money under the guise of trading on international stock exchanges.

Every month, the criminal group defrauded people out of tens of thousands of USD.

To search for potential ‘investors’, the offenders set up a call centre in Kharkiv with 40 operators. They called citizens and offered to invest in shares of well-known companies on the stock market.

For clients, the organizers created electronic ‘personal accounts’ in which they demonstrated constant ‘growth’ of shares and offered to increase investments.

To convince people to invest in ‘stock projects’, the call centre operators used psychological influence and tried to manipulate ‘investors’.

According to the investigation, three Kharkiv residents are involved in the fraud scheme.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes and premises, the SSU found bank cards, computer equipment, mobile phones and records with evidence of the crime.

Based on the evidence collected by the SSU, three persons involved have been notified of suspicion under Article 190.3 of the CCU (fraud).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspects are facing up to 8 years in prison.

The SSU Kharkiv Office carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.