Ukrainian cyberpolice have arrested members of a fraud gang that stole around $4,300,000 from more than a thousand victims across the EU.
The criminal group has created more than 100 fake “phishing” sites targeting users in France, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal and other European countries, luring them with products below market prices. market.
The orders placed by the victims did not correspond to real purchases, while the threat actors stole credit card details which they entered on the fake sites.
It is unknown how the victims got to these sites, but it could be via malicious advertising, phishing emails or even direct messages on social media platforms.
The fraudsters used the stolen data to make online purchases using other people’s credit cards. These goods usually circulate through a network of dealers and financial mules who help them launder the money.
Police say they have located two call centers in Vinnytsia and Lviv, which supported the fraudulent operation by contacting customers to convince them to place orders.
Ukrainian police carried out more than 30 searches of members’ homes, call centers and cars, confiscating computer equipment, mobile phones and SIM cards for examination.
The law enforcement agency also released the following video of the raids.
Ukrainian police carried out more than 30 searches of members’ homes, call centers and cars, confiscating computer equipment, mobile phones and SIM cards for examination.
The law enforcement agency also released the following video of the raids.
The two arrests made in Ukraine are believed to involve organizers of the criminal gang, so police have held them for questioning.
Those arrested now face criminal charges based on part 4 of article 190 (fraud) and part 1 of article 255 (establishment, direction of a criminal community or criminal organization, as well as participation in it).
These crimes carry a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison and confiscation of property.
Ten other members of the phishing gang have been detained in other European countries, where they are being questioned.
