In the Lviv region, a network of fraudulent call centers was uncovered: nearly $2 million seized

In the Lviv region, a network of fraudulent call centers was uncovered: nearly $2 million seized

The Security Service, together with the National Police and the Prosecutor’s Office, exposed a large-scale network of illegal call centers in the Lviv region that defrauded citizens of Ukraine and the EU.

This is stated in the special service’s press release.

During searches, the perpetrators were found to have nearly $2 million and 300,000 hryvnias in cash, as well as a fleet of luxury vehicles worth over $1 million.

It was established that the fraudulent scheme operated under the guise of providing financial services. In particular, call center operators contacted potential victims and posed as employees of banks and other financial institutions.

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

During urgent investigative actions, law enforcement officers conducted over 20 searches at the organizers’ residences and offices.

Among other things, the suspects were found to have dozens of computers, bank cards, and draft records containing evidence of illegal activity. Information was also obtained about other individuals likely involved in the operation of the fraudulent call center network.

The searches were carried out as part of a criminal proceeding initiated under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 4 of Article 190 (fraud committed on an especially large scale);
• Part 3 of Article 209 (legalization (laundering) of property obtained through criminal means).