Zelenskyy urged the Rada to introduce tougher penalties for fraudulent call centers

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on MPs to support bills that provide for increased criminal liability for the organization and operation of fraudulent call centers. The relevant documents have been included in the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada.

The President stated that Ukraine needs to “put an end” to the history of fraudulent call centers, and called on the parliament to support the proposed changes.

“We need to put an end to the history of fraudulent call centers in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in an evening address.

What is proposed to be changed

On September 2, the President submitted two bills to the Verkhovna Rada for consideration, aimed at increasing liability for the activities of fraudulent call centers.

The documents concern liability for both the organization of such centers and participation in their work. In addition, additional protection of citizens from illegal transactions with payment instruments and bank accounts is provided for.

It is proposed to pay special attention to fraudulent schemes involving so-called “drops” — individuals whose bank accounts or payment instruments are used in the relevant schemes.

The proposed changes should also contribute to the implementation of European Union law into Ukrainian legislation in accordance with agreements with international partners.

NABU and SAPO exposed a call center scheme worth over UAH 42 million

The topic of fraudulent call centers has recently been in the spotlight of law enforcement agencies.

NABU and SAPO reported the exposure of five members of a criminal organization, which, according to the investigation, was headed by an official of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Law enforcement agencies claim that the participants in the scheme systematically received illegal benefits for facilitating the operation of a network of fraudulent call centers.

According to the investigation, more than 42 million UAH could have been legalized through the purchase of real estate, including apartments in the Carpathians, jewelry, and placing money in the accounts of relatives.

Thus, the parliament should consider increasing the liability not only for the organizers of fraudulent call centers, but also for persons involved in their activities and related schemes with banking instruments.