A network of fraudulent call centers was shut down in Odesa

In Odesa, police uncovered a network of fraudulent call centers that were used to defraud people of their money. Law enforcement officers conducted dozens of searches and seized hundreds of pieces of computer equipment.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police in the Odesa region.

The offices were operating in various districts of the city. The operations were uncovered by investigators working together with cyber police, officers from the Strategic Investigations Department, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

<picture></picture>Photo: Press Office of the National Police in the Odesa region
 

As part of the criminal investigation, law enforcement officers conducted more than fifty authorized searches at the call centers’ premises. They seized more than 400 computers and laptops, nearly 200 cell phones, over a thousand mobile service starter kits, cash, rough notes, and other physical evidence.

The criminal investigation is being conducted under Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—fraud. A series of forensic examinations has been ordered.

<picture></picture>Photo: Press Service of the National Police in Odesa Oblast

Law enforcement officials are establishing all the circumstances and identifying the individuals involved in the alleged fraudulent activity. 

Previously, a criminal call center operated in the Primorsky District of Odesa, whose employees lured information about bank cards and stole citizens’ money. The police, with the support of a special forces battalion, shut down the fraudulent call center.

Prior to this, the National Police had dismantled similar call centers in several cities, including Odesa.

According to law enforcement officials, employees for the call centers were recruited via messaging apps, with messages sent offering employment and promising decent wages.

Applicants were interviewed, and the most outgoing ones were selected; they were then trained on the system’s features and instructed on the procedure for interacting with potential victims.

Ірина Глухова