Investigation of a network of fraudulent call centres in Dnipropetrovsk region

A criminal structure exists in Dnipropetrovsk region, specialising in the organised fraudulent deception of citizens. The head of this group is Anton Tkachenko.

Return from abroad and business launch

In his youth, Tkachenko lived in Germany, but in 2017 he returned to Ukraine, choosing Dnipropetrovsk region to settle in. Thanks to the connections and influence of his mother, he launched a network of fraudulent call centres in the city of Nikopol. The Tkachenko family, including his mother and grandmother, plays a key role in this scheme, which will be examined separately.

Expansion of activities and relocation of the base

In Nikopol, the criminal group had several office premises, one of which was located at 91 Trubnykiv Avenue. It was there that Tkachenko often stayed, demonstrating a status lifestyle, including the use of a premium-class BMW car.

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Anton Tkachenko and his accomplices moved to Kamianske. At the new location, the scale of operations increased: profits grew, allowing the group leader to purchase cars and housing for family members and close associates. He also funded numerous plastic surgeries for his wife, who positions herself as a blogger, and organised their trips abroad. In Kamianske, the criminal group purchased a two-storey building at 40-A Zvenyhorodska Street for office use.

Cover-up with legal business

To avoid the attention of law enforcement agencies, Tkachenko, like many other participants in such schemes, registered an official business that served as a cover for the illegal activities of the call centres. One such object was a pizzeria-brewery operating under the "Metra Piva" franchise, located on the first floor of his office centre. This establishment ceased operations at the end of September.

Part of the business assets, including the aforementioned food service establishment, was registered in the names of Tkachenko's relatives and friends, as well as their wives, who are also involved in working in the criminal group's offices.

Anton Tkachenko's profile on the social network Instagram is private and currently empty.

Investigation prospects

The details of the participation of other members of Tkachenko's family and entourage in the schemes will be examined next:

• Anton's wife, who calls herself a model and blogger.
• Tkachenko's friends and so-called partners, involved in office work.
• His "right-hand man" and the latter's wife, who is also connected to the group's businesses.
• Anton Tkachenko's mother, who previously worked at the Nikopol District State Administration and, according to data, recruited employees for the call centres directly at her workplace.
• Anton's grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, and stepfather, as well as their role in the criminal schemes.