Russian police have arrested at least 300 individuals in Moscow as part of a coordinated operation targeting an international crypto scam network. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Federal Security Service (FSB) conducted the raids, dismantling what they described as a network of fraudulent call centers preying on victims across 20 countries.
Call Center Scam Unveiled
According to Irina Volk, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the call center operators persuaded foreigners to invest their savings in cryptocurrency and bogus trading platforms. Once funds were transferred, the scammers severed all contact with their victims.
“At the time of the raids, over 300 people were working in the call centers,” said Volk.
The operation spanned multiple locations in Moscow, where police uncovered around 500 workstations equipped with headsets, monitors, and PCs. Security officials estimate that the ring defrauded tens of thousands of individuals, using sophisticated methods to conceal their activities and confuse investigators.
Links to International Crime and Ukraine Funding Allegations
Authorities allege the stolen funds were partly used to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The suspected call center employees face charges under Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers fraud by organized groups on an especially large scale. Convictions could result in sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
The scam network is reportedly linked to an international fraud organization led by Yegor Burkin, identified as the leader of the Khimprom organized crime group. Khimprom is believed to be involved in drug smuggling operations spanning Russia and Ukraine.
Sophisticated Tactics and Global Reach
The ministry described the scam ring’s advanced methods, including the use of a multilingual recruiting network to target victims worldwide.
“Employees from these centers persuaded citizens from other countries to invest their funds in cryptocurrency and various trading platforms. After the victims transferred their money, the fraudsters cut off all contact with them,” Volk explained.
Police footage of the raids shows rows of workstations and detained individuals, with some appearing to be foreign nationals.
A Rising Trend in Crypto Fraud
The Russian Interior Ministry has warned of a sharp rise in crypto-themed telephone fraud cases, many involving scammers posing as officials. Using spoofed phone numbers, professional terminology, and even video calls with fake IDs and uniforms, these fraudsters create an illusion of legitimacy.
Global Implications
This high-profile bust highlights the growing sophistication of crypto-related scams. While Moscow’s crackdown may disrupt operations in the short term, authorities worldwide remain vigilant as similar fraud schemes continue to target vulnerable investors.
By unearthing this international network, Russian authorities aim to send a strong message to cybercriminals leveraging cryptocurrency as a tool for exploitation.
