Operating from call centers in Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv, the fraud networks use scripted phone scams to convince victims they are speaking to financial institutions or investment platforms. In Poland, other members of the groups handle the final step — the withdrawal of funds.
“These are highly organized criminal groups,” said Marcin Zagórski, spokesperson for the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime (CBZC). “Some require mandatory polygraph tests for new recruits to rule out ties to law enforcement.”
The fraud operations reportedly mimic corporate structures, with roles clearly divided across international locations. Ukrainian citizens account for more than 90% of group members in dismantled operations, the paper reported. Other foreign nationals are recruited for lower-level tasks.
According to CBZC sources, Polish organized crime groups are largely absent from these schemes. “This slice of the pie is practically out of reach for Polish gangs,” one senior officer told the paper.
Internet fraud cases are on the rise, with 93,000 reported in Poland last year, up from 85,000 in 2023. Authorities say scams involving fake bankers and investment advisors now make up a significant share of cases. One group alone reportedly stole PLN 6 million (about USD 1.7 million) over three years.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio