Ukrainian Parliament Increases Penalties for Fraudulent Call Centers Up to 12 Years and Asset Seizure

Bill No. 10190 Targets Fraudulent Call Center Operations

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On September 16, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed Bill No. 10190, designed to toughen penalties for involvement in fraudulent call centers. The legislation imposes prison sentences ranging from 7 to 12 years and includes asset confiscation for those who create, lead, or participate in such criminal organizations. The bill was unanimously approved by 313 deputies, with no votes against or abstentions. It amends the Ukrainian Criminal Code by adding Articles 190-1, 255-4, and 255-5.

Article 190-1 specifically addresses the illegal collection or storage of personal data and bank secrecy information-a crucial move against call centers engaged in deceptive practices that have caused losses exceeding 100 million hryvnias to victims. Law enforcement recently conducted an extensive operation, executing 411 searches, shutting down 94 offices, and eliminating 1,974 workstations. Twenty-six suspects have been identified in connection with this crackdown.

Uncovering a Corrupt Network

On September 5, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) revealed a criminal network involved in laundering funds from fraudulent call centers. The scheme was orchestrated in mid-2025 by an official within the Office of the Prosecutor General, who recruited current prosecutors and close associates. These individuals received bribes in exchange for allowing call centers to operate without interference.

NABU identified one key figure, known by the alias "Chancellor"-Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Serhiy Kropyva-as the architect of this bribery scheme. Notably, on September 15, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Prosecutor General Kravchenko amid investigations into illegal activities linked to these fraudulent call centers.

Bill No. 10190 represents a significant advancement in Ukraine’s efforts to combat fraud and to protect citizens from dishonest service providers. The legislation underscores the government's commitment to addressing the widespread problem of fraud, which has deeply affected Ukrainian society.

The increased involvement of law enforcement agencies, especially NABU, reflects a growing awareness of the scale of this issue and the urgent need for stricter measures. Recent special operations and disclosures confirm that fraudulent schemes are pervasive and demand coordinated action from both state authorities and the public to effectively dismantle them.

In light of these recent legislative changes, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of the criminal activities uncovered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. The intricate web of corruption led by a top official has significant ties to the fraudulent call center operations now facing stricter penalties. For an in-depth look at how this official orchestrated the protection of such schemes, read more about the criminal network exposed by NABU and SAP.