A fraudulent call center that defrauded military personnel and teenagers has been shut down in Sumy
In Sumy, the SBU’s counterintelligence unit, in cooperation with the National Police, uncovered and dismantled an underground call center whose operators were defrauding citizens out of their money.
This was reported by the SBU.
Law enforcement officers detained four organizers of the scheme. According to the investigation, they operated using several different tactics depending on the age and financial capacity of their victims.
In particular, to deceive teenagers, the perpetrators created fake profiles of girls and made contact with them through special Telegram channels, after which they arranged meetings. When the victims arrived at the location, they were forced to send selfies with geolocation, and then were sent a video with threats allegedly from a Russian military officer about a possible strike on those coordinates.
Afterward, the scammers, posing as Ukrainian law enforcement officers, demanded money, threatening criminal liability for “treason.” The victims handed over cash and valuables via taxi.
Separately, cases of fraud targeting Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel have been documented. The suspects messaged them on behalf of women, gained their trust, and asked for money supposedly for medical treatment or education. After receiving the funds, they cut off contact.
During searches, authorities seized computer equipment, phones, bank cards, as well as cash and jewelry obtained through criminal means.
The detainees were notified of their suspicion of large-scale fraud committed by an organized group. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The Odesa Regional Prosecutor’s Office has filed an indictment against four members of the organized group. According to the investigation, they sold nonexistent vehicles to the military under the guise of volunteer aid and defrauded 11 servicemen. Another member has been placed on the wanted list.
The fraudsters are sending out fake letters in Budanov’s name.
