Kyiv Call Center Network Shut Down
Law enforcement in Kyiv has dismantled a network of call centers specializing in the production and sale of forged European documents. Under the procedural guidance of the Podilskyi District Prosecutor's Office of Kyiv, seven individuals have been notified of suspicion of fraud. Searches resulted in the seizure of nearly $70,000 USD, computer equipment, and mobile phones.
The detained Kyiv residents were involved in recruiting and training staff who offered services to Ukrainians abroad, European citizens, and other foreigners. The call centers manufactured and sold counterfeit documents, including:
- driver's licenses
- temporary residence permits
- other EU country documents
For example, a forged Latvian driver's license was sold for €1,500.
Clients transferred money for the documents to a bank account opened in a European country, as well as to a cryptocurrency wallet. Data obtained from one such wallet indicates the suspects earned at least €400,000 from those seeking European papers. Each call center employee made approximately 100 calls daily to potential victims, employing methods of psychological pressure. This case highlights a persistent issue of transnational document fraud targeting individuals seeking opportunities in the EU.
Legal Consequences and Law Enforcement Action
All documents produced by the call centers were confirmed to be forgeries. The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which carries a potential penalty of up to twelve years in prison with confiscation of property. Previously, in the Dnipropetrovsk region, fraudulent call centers with over 1,500 workstations were exposed, using similar methods.
This situation underscores the serious problem of document fraud in Ukraine, particularly under conditions where many people are seeking opportunities to go abroad.
The dismantling of this network demonstrates increased activity by law enforcement in combating organized crime. Such actions may become an important step in preventing similar frauds in the future and protecting citizens' rights.