In the city of Kyiv, SBU cyber ​​specialists stopped the activity of an underground telecommunication center. The organizers embezzled funds of Ukrainians and foreigners under the guise of their participating in international auctions. Since the beginning of 2021, they misappropriated almost UAH 9 m. (USD 321,428).

SBU operatives established that two Ukrainians and a foreigner organized illegal business. They developed malware that simulated trading on international auctions and cryptocurrency projects. The offenders also created phishing websites of international investment companies.

Using bots on popular social networks, they lured people to their websites. Hackers then interfered with the telecommunication systems and called the victims from foreign numbers. They allegedly extorted money for investments and, as a result, misappropriated it.

The offenders converted money into cash using cryptocurrencies, electronic systems and debit cards. Bank accounts belong to the so-called money mules.

For money, hackers also assisted other unlawful activities. SBU documented that the organizers involved over 100 employees in the illegal business.

During the searches, law enforcement officers found:

• computer equipment and mobile devices;
• malware;
• other evidence of illegal activity.

Investigation is ongoing within the criminal proceedings initiated for fraud; illegal action in respect of remittance documents, payment cards and other means providing access to bank accounts, and equipment for their production.

The issue of serving the organizers suspicion notices is being resolved.