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Tengrinews.kz – A transnational fraudulent call center targeting Kazakh citizens was dismantled in Ukraine during a joint special operation, citing Polisia.kz.
The coordinated raid took place in Odesa and Chernivtsi with the participation of Kazakhstan’s Cybercrime Department, Ukraine’s National Police, and prosecutors from both countries.
How the scheme worked
Fraudsters called Kazakhstanis posing as officials from the National Bank, law enforcement, or security agencies. Under the pretext of “suspicious transactions” or “terrorism financing,” they pressured victims into taking out loans, selling property, and transferring money to mule accounts.
“There was a strict hierarchy: administrators, HR managers, closers, cold-callers, technical staff, and even a so-called ‘security unit.’ Criminal proceeds funded the call center’s operations, car purchases, and other expenses,” said Aslan Uskembaev, deputy head of Kazakhstan’s Cybercrime Department.
Investigators estimate the call center alone consumed around $60,000 monthly. One participant reportedly bought five cars within six months.
What police seized
During searches, authorities confiscated over 30 computers, 79 mobile phones, numerous SIM cards, fake IDs of National Bank staff and law enforcement, scripted dialogues for scamming victims, and even uniforms. Specialized deepfake software for voice and video manipulation was also uncovered.
Preliminary losses for Kazakh victims exceeded 900 million tenge. Nine Ukrainian nationals were detained, five of whom were placed in custody.
Authorities in both countries say the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests possible.
