Ukraine shuts down 94 fraudulent call centers, seize millions in cash
Authorities in Ukraine shut down 94 fraudulent call centers across the country that lured people into investment scams or tried to obtain access to bank accounts. [...]
Source: BleepingComputer · August 14, 2026 at 4:08 AM · AI-assisted report
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 AUGUST 2026 —
Listen to this article
DomainFork Audio · read aloud
Ukraine Shuts Down 94 Fraudulent Call Centers, Seizes Millions in Cash
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Reuters) – Ukrainian authorities have shut down 94 fraudulent call centers across the country this week as part of a coordinated operation targeting investment scams and bank account fraud.
The crackdown involved 411 searches conducted by the National Police, Ukraine’s Security Service, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and German police. Authorities allege the call centers operated schemes to deceive victims into transferring money or granting access to their bank accounts.
Scammers impersonated bank officers, brokers, and law enforcement, threatening to block accounts unless victims made payments. Some victims were persuaded to apply for loans, share payment card details, or install remote-access tools on their devices. A total of 26 individuals have been formally notified as suspects.
The call centers targeted victims in Ukraine and abroad, including European Union countries. Some promoted fraudulent investment platforms, while others falsely claimed to assist in recovering lost funds—only to scam victims a second time. Police also uncovered schemes involving fake medical treatments with no medicinal value.
Those involved may face charges under Ukraine’s Criminal Code, with penalties including up to 12 years in prison and asset confiscation. Authorities are conducting forensic investigations to identify victims, assess financial losses, and gather evidence against organizers, money mules, and launderers.
Details on the total financial losses and the number of victims remain unavailable.