Ukrainian law enforcement has dismantled an international criminal group responsible for a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting citizens of the Czech Republic. The group illegally gained access to victims’ financial accounts, causing losses equivalent to over 12 million UAH (~$290000).
The group was led by a 26-year-old resident of Dnipro, Ukraine, who organized a network of fake call centers. The call centers employed individuals who posed as representatives of financial institutions. They contacted Czech citizens, warning them of alleged unauthorized access to their bank accounts and instructing them to transfer funds to “safe” accounts or convert money into cryptocurrency.
In cooperation with Czech authorities, Ukrainian police collected evidence linking the group to fraudulent activities involving at least 11 victims. The criminal organization included 15 individuals aged 20 to 54, hailing from Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Moldova. Four foreign nationals involved were already on Interpol’s wanted list for similar crimes.
A multi-stage international law enforcement operation led to the seizure of computer equipment, mobile phones, bank cards, and cash totaling nearly 3 million UAH (~$72000). One Moldovan citizen and three Czech nationals were arrested and have been extradited.
The National Police has charged the group’s organizer and five accomplices with establishing and participating in a criminal organization and large-scale fraud (Articles 255 and 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation.