As part of global law enforcement cooperation, a successful action was carried out in Ukraine to liquidate call center connected with illegal investment platforms that deceived Polish citizens. This operation, led by the economical safety Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU), culminated in an investigation initiated by the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Rzeszów and the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime in Poland. We managed to halt those active in financial fraud, which brought losses of many million zlotys.
International cooperation is the key to success
The full action was the consequence of global legal assistance, which was initiated by joint actions of the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Rzeszów and the Management Board in Rzeszów of the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime. After a long-term investigation, which included an analysis of evidence and data obtained in the framework of global cooperation, Polish officers commissioned searches in Ukraine.
The operation active 8 searches in Kiev, Odessa and Kharkiv, where an illegal call center was revealed. The Bureau of economical safety of Ukraine confirmed the erstwhile findings of Polish services, and the operational activities in Ukraine ended with the securing of evidence, including servers, phones, computers and key documentation for further proceedings.
Fraud mechanism: Call center and investment platforms
A group of fraudsters acted under the appearance of attractive financial investments, in peculiar cryptocurrency and another abroad exchange markets. These platforms were presented as legal and guaranteeing fast profit, which attracted unconscious investors. The advertising of these platforms was distributed on the Internet, frequently utilizing images of well-known public figures and symbols of renowned companies, which aroused additional trust.
After contacting possible victims, call center workers, frequently active in Ukraine, urged them to contribute funds to investment platforms. The scammers utilized various communication channels, including popular communicators, which made it hard to track them. The profits promised by illegal platforms were fiction, and the money paid by the victims went straight to fraudsters.
Effects of operations and further investigation
As part of the operation in Kharkiv, 21 people were identified and interviewed who worked in the liquidated call center. Not only electronic equipment has been secured, but besides papers that are now analysed in item by investigators. The intent of this analysis is to find the evidential value of the secured materials and to set further steps in the investigation conducted under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Rzeszów.
"This is the consequence of long-term and laborious work by Polish and Ukrainian officers, who were determined to break up this organized crime group," said the spokesperson for the Central Bureau of Cybercrime.
Warning to investors
The pattern of fraud remains unchanged – they usage false promises of fast profits and investments in cryptocurrency and currency markets. possible victims are tempted by offers that seem besides good to be true. It is worth remembering that there are frequently criminal groups behind attractive ads on the Internet, who are committed to taking over the savings of those who have been misled.
Precaution and avoidance of suspicious investment offers can prevent crucial amounts of money being lost. It is peculiarly crucial not to make investment decisions on the basis of telephone conversations with strangers who offer "certain profits".
Summary
The elimination of call center in Ukraine is an crucial step in the fight against global financial crime, which affects citizens of many countries, including Poland. Further investigation by Polish and Ukrainian law enforcement authorities may lead to the detention of further persons active in this process and to the prevention of further victims from financial losses.
This operation is an example of effective global cooperation in combating cybercrime and protecting citizens from fraudsters who operate on the Internet.
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The services have eliminated Ukrainian call center holding Poles
