Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) cyber specialists have dismantled an international fraud ring targeting European Union residents through an underground call center in Zakarpattia.
This joint operation with the Czech Republic’s National Agency for Combating Terrorism, Extremism, and Cybercrime led to the arrest of four key organizers behind a scheme that stole more than UAH 2 million (over $48,000).
Scammers use online ads to deploy malware
Based in Uzhgorod, the group ran a covert call center employing at least 70 operators, aged 19 to 27, who posed as investment consultants. The operators cold-called foreign nationals, promoting fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
An in-house IT team supplemented the scam with online ads directing victims to fraudulent investment platforms. Once users registered, the attackers deployed malware to gain access to cryptocurrency wallets and online banking apps, transferring stolen funds into accounts under their control.
Authorities seized mobile phones, computers, and digital evidence during searches at the call center and suspects’ residences. Under Article 190, Part 5 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, the four arrested individuals have been charged with large-scale fraud. If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison and confiscation of property.
This case is part of a broader European crackdown on cyber fraud. On December 4, 2024, coordinated raids took place across several countries. Operatives conducted searches in Germany and Austria and took down fake online marketplaces and retail sites in Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and Norway.
Authorities seized over 50 servers and collected over 200 terabytes of digital evidence. Two main suspects, aged 27 and 37, were arrested in Germany and Austria under European arrest warrants and are now in pretrial detention.
How to stay safe from cyber fraud
Cybersecurity experts warn that cybercrime in Ukraine and Europe is rising, and individuals must take proactive steps to protect themselves. Experts recommend the following:
- Avoid unknown links. Refrain from clicking on suspicious messages, especially on social media or messaging apps.
- Use official apps only. Download software exclusively from platforms such as Google Play or the Apple App Store.
- Implement multifactor authentication (MFA). Secure your accounts with MFA, especially for banking and email logins.
- Install antivirus software. Update security programs on all devices to detect and block malicious activities.
- Do not share personal data. Legitimate institutions will never ask for passwords or sensitive data over the phone or via email.
With no national cybersecurity authority, experts urge Ukrainian citizens to remain vigilant and informed to avoid falling prey to increasingly sophisticated scams.
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Briones, J. A. (2025, May 13). Ukraine, Czech Republic bust $2Mn call center crypto fraud. Outsource Accelerator. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://news.outsourceaccelerator.com/ukraine-czech-republic-bust-2mn-fraud/
European Parliament. (2025, April 2). How to protect yourself from cybercrime: seven tips to be safe online. Retrieved May 14, 2025, from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20200327STO76003/how-to-protect-yourself-from-cybercrime-seven-tips-to-be-safe-online
