Criminals set up a call center with 20 positions, convincing individuals to invest in cryptocurrency and stocks under the guise of a fake exchange. They utilized remote software to showcase non-existent profits and control the victims' computers. Over 30 EU citizens fell victim to this scheme.
In Kyiv, law enforcement from the National Police, in collaboration with European partners, uncovered the activities of an organized crime group involved in creating fraudulent trading platforms. The criminals embezzled funds from foreign investors by simulating trades on stock markets, leading to millions of dollars in losses for citizens of the EU.
According to the investigation, the organizer and two accomplices opened a call center in Kyiv with 20 workstations. Employees of this call center contacted potential victims, persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency and securities. The criminals promised high returns and showcased fake results of “trading” on global exchanges.
To enhance trust in the platform, so-called VIP client managers installed remote access software on the victims' computers. This allowed the fraudsters to control investor actions and display fabricated profits. When clients transferred money to cryptocurrency wallets, it was immediately cashed out through exchange points in Kyiv.
“The so-called VIP client managers created a false impression among the victims of successful trading on global exchanges. They installed trading software on the victims' computers through remote access, allowing the criminals to effectively control the clients' computers and show them fictitious profits,” the police reported.
Only five victims invested 8.2 million UAH in cryptocurrency, but the total amount of losses is still being determined. More than 30 foreign citizens have been documented as victims of this scheme.
During a large-scale operation, 21 searches were conducted at residences, in the call center, and in the vehicles of the suspects. Law enforcement seized over $1.4 million in cash, computer equipment, data storage devices, and rough accounting records.
Three members of the criminal group have already been notified of suspicion of committing fraud under part 5 of article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Investigators have submitted a motion to the court for the detention of the suspects. The identities of another 15 call center employees have also been established, and materials are being prepared to announce suspicions against them.
Under current legislation, members of the criminal group could face up to 12 years in prison.