Poland and Ukraine expose major fraud network

The cyber police of both countries carried out a joint operation, detaining a group of Ukrainian fraudsters who deceived hundreds of Polish citizens. The criminals offered fictitious cryptocurrency investments, causing damage amounting to 26 million zloty (over 270 million hryvnia).

How did the scheme work?

The criminal group operated from Ukrainian territory, setting up a call centre through which calls were made to potential victims. The fraudsters used fake investment platforms, luring people with promises of quick profits.

According to the investigation, the scammers employed spoofing (number masking) and remote access tools, posing as financial consultants. In advertising their schemes, they used images of public figures and logos of major companies, creating an illusion of legitimacy.

After filling out questionnaires on dummy websites, victims received calls urging them to invest in cryptocurrency or stocks. The fraudsters then withdrew the clients' funds and cut off contact.

Detention and investigation

The operation to expose the criminals was conducted by the Polish Central Office for Combating Cybercrime in cooperation with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. As a result, six Ukrainian citizens were detained, including:

• the scheme organiser,
• two managers,
• three call centre employees.

During searches of the fraud boss's elite penthouse, 600,000 dollars in cash was found.

The Łódź Voivodeship Prosecutor's Office in Poland filed formal charges against the detainees. Following the investigation, the evidence gathered was handed over to Ukrainian law enforcement, enabling arrests to be made on Ukrainian territory.