NABU and SAP uncover criminal organisation that "protected" call centres and drug trade

Scheme to shield illegal business from inspections exposed

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced the discovery of a large criminal structure. Its participants established a mechanism for the regular transfer of undue benefits to high-ranking law enforcement officials.

The primary aim of these payments was to ensure the unimpeded operation of fraudulent contact centres and other illegal enterprises.

Who headed the network

The initiator of the criminal activity turned out to be a man with a prior record of multiple convictions. He enlisted active officials from the Security Service of Ukraine, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the National Police, as well as representatives of the criminal underworld.

In total, the organisation comprised at least 12 individuals.

Abuse under the cover of security forces

Thanks to protection from law enforcement officers, the criminals operated successfully in several areas:

• fraudulent call centres that deceived both Ukrainian and foreign citizens;
• the sale of narcotic substances;
• the illegal production of counterfeit foreign currency and counterfeit cigarettes.

In addition, planned attacks, kidnappings, and the infliction of bodily harm on victims were carried out in the interests of the organisation.