European law enforcement agencies have dismantled a large-scale criminal network operating fraudulent call centres in Ukraine, following a coordinated international operation supported by Eurojust. The investigation targeted fraudulent call centres in Ukraine organized scam operations that defrauded victims across Europe, causing estimated losses of more than EUR 10 million. According to a press note issued by the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), authorities from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine worked together to shut down call centres operating in Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv. The criminal group ran a professional setup, employing individuals who were paid a percentage of the money extracted from victims. “Authorities from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine with the support of Eurojust took action against a criminal network operating call centres in Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv, Ukraine that scammed victims across Europe,” Eurojust said in its press notice.

How the Fraudulent Call Centres in Ukraine Operated

Investigators found that the fraudulent call centres in Ukraine used multiple scam techniques. Criminals often posed as police officers or bank employees, convincing victims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Victims were instructed to transfer money to so-called “safe” accounts controlled by the network. In several cases, victims were persuaded to download remote access software and enter banking credentials, allowing the criminals to gain full control over their bank accounts. The network recruited employees from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and other countries, bringing them to Ukraine to carry out the scams. The investigation revealed that around 100 individuals from various European countries worked in the call centres. Members of the group had clearly defined roles, including making scam calls, forging police and bank certificates, and collecting cash from victims. Employees who successfully extracted funds received up to 7% of the proceeds. Criminal leaders also promised bonuses such as cash, cars, or apartments in Kyiv if callers obtained more than EUR 100,000, though these rewards were never paid.

Coordinated Raids and Arrests Across Ukraine

A joint investigation team (JIT) was established at Eurojust to enable smooth cooperation between national authorities. Officials met three times at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague to share intelligence and plan coordinated action. On 9 December, authorities carried out 72 searches across three Ukrainian cities. Offices, homes, and vehicles were searched, resulting in the seizure of forged police and bank IDs, computers, laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and a polygraph machine. Law enforcement also confiscated cash, 21 vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. Twelve suspects were arrested during the action day. Across the broader investigation in the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, 45 individuals have been identified as suspects. Czech Police Highlight OCTOPUS and CONNECT Operations In a separate press note, the Czech police confirmed that the takedown was part of international operations OCTOPUS and CONNECT. “NCTEKK crime investigators, together with Czech and foreign colleagues, have uncovered an exceptionally large-scale cybercrime operation,” Czech police said. Operation OCTOPUS focused on fraudulent investment schemes, where criminals created imitation investment websites and fake advertisements promising high returns. According to Czech police, the fraud caused damage of CZK 43,000,000 to at least 138 victims, with the number expected to rise significantly. “Another successful intervention in Ukraine will protect Europeans' money,” the Czech police stated. Meanwhile, Operation CONNECT targeted fraudulent phone scams involving fake police officers and bankers. Authorities dismantled three call centres and seized hundreds of laptops and mobile phones, real estate, vehicles, cash, and weapons.

Ongoing Risk and Public Warnings

Czech authorities warned that such scams are becoming increasingly advanced and that criminal groups frequently relocate call centres to avoid detection. “We regularly warn about these fraudulent phone calls, in which fraudsters pretend to be bankers or police officers,” Czech police said. Officials urged the public to report suspicious calls and emphasized that law enforcement and central banks never request money transfers or withdrawals over the phone.