International police dismantle Moldovan call center scam network
MOLDOVA — In a major international crackdown, the National Police of Ukraine, in partnership with European law enforcement agencies, dismantled a large-scale fraudulent call center operation in Moldova.
This criminal enterprise, which reportedly amassed an illicit income of €1.2 million ($1.31 million), involved twelve individuals, including two Ukrainians, who were detained during the operation.
Fraudulent scheme targeted Romanian investors
Since 2021, the fraudulent scheme employed approximately 400 individuals across four call centers in various Moldovan cities.
The operation primarily targeted Romanian citizens, luring them with online advertisements that promised safe and quick investment returns. These ads often featured endorsements from celebrities or logos of reputable banks to build trust among potential victims.
Fake investment opportunities promoted
Victims were drawn into the scam through links in the advertisements, which directed them to websites where they were encouraged to create accounts and invest in fictitious financial products.
The minimum investment required was 250 U.S. dollars or euros, which the fraudsters claimed would yield substantial profits through shares or virtual currencies. To further deceive investors, the scammers used a software interface to simulate profit accruals.
Exploitation of victims’ bank accounts
The fraudulent operation extended its reach by persuading victims to download mobile applications, granting the criminals access to their bank accounts.
This allowed the group to siphon funds directly from victims’ accounts, including those on virtual currency platforms.
Call center employees, posing as financial consultants or brokers, assured victims of the scheme’s legitimacy.
Stringent recruitment and management
The call center operators, aged between 20 and 45, underwent a rigorous recruitment process, including polygraph tests, to ensure their suitability for the role.
Proficiency in foreign languages was a mandatory requirement. The operation was meticulously managed, with supervisors and team leaders overseeing the operators’ activities.
Coordinated raids and seizures
On August 7, law enforcement agencies from Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania conducted simultaneous raids to dismantle the fraudulent network.
Approximately 70 searches were conducted across call centers, office buildings, and the suspects’ residences and vehicles. Authorities seized over 100 computers, numerous telephones, bank cards, firearms, ten vehicles, and approximately $35,000 in cash.
In Kyiv, Ukraine, additional equipment and over UAH 2.4 million ($58,000) were confiscated.
Ongoing legal proceedings and investigations
The investigation remains active, with 120 criminal cases being pursued in Romania based on 150 complaints from defrauded individuals.
Efforts are underway to identify all individuals involved and hold them accountable.
Under Moldovan law, the detained suspects face potential prison sentences ranging from eight to fifteen years.
Global crackdown on scam call centers
This is not the first time that a large scam call center network has been raided in Europe. Last May, Germany led “Operation Pandora,” which involved coordinated police actions across Germany, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Lebanon. This operation resulted in 21 arrests and the closure of 12 call centers, marking a significant step against sophisticated financial crimes.
Meanwhile, similar efforts are underway in Asia, with countries like India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines working to prevent illegal call center activities.
