The National Police, in partnership with the СБУ закрыла a sprawling network of call centres involved in misappropriating funds of Ukrainian citizens and EU countries under the guise of trading cryptocurrencies, securities, gold and oil.
According to the agency, using software the perpetrators spoofed their phone numbers to the numbers of state banks. Subsequently they extracted bank card data from citizens.
«The organizers of the scheme used pre-created websites and platforms for trading cryptocurrencies, securities, gold and oil, guaranteeing outsized profits in a short time,» noted the police.
Additionally, participants of the group, on behalf of the so-called “Community of Crypto Brokers,” offered foreign nationals, previously affected by similar fraud, help in recovering stolen assets.
Victims were sent details to transfer a “commission” to the attackers’ accounts. After receipt of funds, contact with the “brokers” was severed and payments were not made.
During searches, investigators seized computer equipment, mobile phones, and draft notes.
The investigation into fraud and the creation of malware continues. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison.
Earlier in February, Ukrainian cyberpolice, together with Estonian law enforcement, identified suspects in misappropriating cryptocurrency under the guise of investments in the securities market.
Follow ForkLog’s bitcoin news in our Telegram — news on cryptocurrencies, prices and analytics.