Prosecutors conducted 20 searches in Odesa and Chornomorsk

Prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office, together with district prosecutors, conducted searches in offices where, according to investigators, fraudulent call centers were located.

According to the press service of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office, the searches took place in Odesa and Chornomorsk. As a result of a coordinated special operation, 20 searches were conducted simultaneously, during which evidence of large-scale fraud was seized.

"It is important that the exposure of this criminal network was also facilitated by investigative journalism published in regional media. The information gathered helped to establish the location of a number of call centers and confirmed their illegal activities," the prosecutor's office emphasized.

According to the investigation, a group of people organized the activities of call centers to seize citizens' funds. The fraudsters called potential victims, posing as employees of banks, government agencies, security services of financial institutions, and online course instructors. Using specially prepared call scripts and methodologies, the criminals misled people, allegedly to protect them from unauthorized transactions, registration or payment for services.

In this way, the criminals gained access to personal data and online accounts of citizens, after which they transferred their funds to other accounts, often using anonymous cryptocurrency platforms for conspiracy.

The activity was disguised as a legitimate business with a duly executed lease of office space, which allowed them to avoid arousing suspicion and conceal the true nature of the work.

During the searches, prosecutors seized more than 850 pieces of computer equipment, nearly 180 mobile phones, dozens of hard drives, significant amounts of cash, firearms, operator's manuals, and other evidence confirming the organized criminal activity.

About 60 prosecutors were involved in the investigation. The operation was conducted as part of the investigation of criminal proceedings on the facts of fraudulent misappropriation of citizens' funds.

Кирило Бойко