Kazakhstan, Ukraine dismantle cross-border online fraud network VIDEO

Authorities in Kazakhstan and Ukraine have dismantled an international fraud network operating through call centres in Ukraine, officials announced.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, the joint operation—conducted in cooperation with Ukraine’s National Police and the Prosecutor General’s Offices of both countries—targeted a criminal group responsible for large-scale online scams affecting victims in Kazakhstan, Ukraine and the European Union, Caliber.Az reports per the ministry.

On March 31, law enforcement officers shut down three call centres in the city of Dnipro. Investigators say the group’s operators posed as representatives of fake investment firms to deceive victims into handing over access to their bank accounts and digital assets. The suspects allegedly used a combination of phishing websites, cryptocurrency schemes and so-called “romance scams” to steal money.

Searches carried out at 40 locations led to the detention of 53 individuals. Authorities have identified eight of them as key suspects, who have since been placed in pre-trial detention.

During the raids, officers seized approximately $100,000 in cash, 90 pieces of computer equipment, 125 mobile phones, six luxury vehicles and an object resembling a firearm.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify additional victims and potential accomplices.

By Sabina Mammadli