Underground call center in Kryvyi Rih revealed, luring displaced persons and military personnel into gambling

Scammers Exposed in Kryvyi Rih

In October 2023, cybersecurity experts from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) uncovered a group of scammers operating in Kryvyi Rih. These individuals had set up fake online gambling platforms to target internally displaced persons and military personnel, using psychological manipulation techniques to lure them into their schemes.

Fraudulent Activities

To attract new victims, the scammers launched a shadow call center with 40 operators who promised high payouts with minimal investments. Once they received money from their clients, the scammers disappeared, leaving the victims without their funds. Those who tried to recover their money were faced with threats of lengthy and complicated withdrawal procedures and high commissions.

Legal Actions

Currently, eight participants in this fraudulent scheme have been charged under Article 255 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which deals with the creation, management, and participation in criminal groups or organizations. The case has been forwarded to court, and those found guilty could face up to 12 years in prison along with property confiscation.