International cooperation between Latvian, Lithuanian and Ukrainian authorities, coordinated by Eurojust, has led to the dismantling of a fraudulent call centre operating from three offices in Ukraine. The network targeted victims across Europe through a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Initial investigations identified at least nine victims in Latvia and Lithuania who collectively lost more than EUR 160 000. Authorities believe the total number of victims across Europe is significantly higher.
The call centre, based in Dnipro, operated a well-established fraud scheme. Victims were lured with promises of high returns on cryptocurrency investments. Once initial payments were made, the suspects demanded additional funds under the pretext of legal assistance to recover allegedly lost assets. Using remote access software, call centre employees gained control over victims’ devices and transferred money to the group’s bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
Following reports from victims, a joint investigation team (JIT) was established at Eurojust, enabling Latvian, Lithuanian and Ukrainian authorities to coordinate efforts. Meetings held at Eurojust’s premises in The Hague facilitated the exchange of intelligence and the planning of a coordinated action day in Ukraine. Eurojust also provided financial support, allowing investigators from Latvia and Lithuania to participate in the operation on the ground.
On 17 February, Ukrainian authorities carried out coordinated searches at 32 locations. The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects. Ten individuals were placed in pre-trial detention, while one suspect was ordered to remain under house arrest.
Authorities seized electronic equipment, documents, computers and SIM cards, as well as approximately EUR 400 000 in cash, two cryptocurrency wallets and eight luxury vehicles. Investigations are ongoing as the seized electronic evidence is analysed.
Authorities involved:
Latvia: Rīga Judicial Region Prosecution Office; Cybercrime Enforcement Department of the Central Criminal Police Department of the State Police of Latvia.
Lithuania: Klaipėda Regional Prosecutor’s Office; Klaipėda County Police Headquarters.
Ukraine: Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office; Main Department of the National Police in Dnipropetrovsk Region; Security Service of Ukraine, Dnipropetrovsk Region Division.
