Latvian State Police (VP) together with Ukrainian law enforcers managed to uncover a phone scam group that operated from Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, as confirmed by VP.
As of the 11th of March, the criminal group is completely dismantled. The extent of the damage they caused to their victims will be determined soon, as the group operated internationally and scammed citizens of the European Union, Latvia included.
Latvian State Police Main Criminal Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Enforcement Office previously noticed an increase in phone scammers’ activity.
Authorities found that the criminal group had an entire database with information about their previous victims. Criminals spoke with their victims in Russian and usually tried tricking Latvian citizens into paying for their “services”. Unfortunately, there are many Latvians among the victims of this group. Not only that, but some of them were scammed several times.
Latvian police formed a group with Ukrainian colleagues. Together they put and end to this criminal group and shut down their call centre for good. A total of 14 searches were performed in Zaporizhzhia region. Three persons were arrested. Four persons are suspects.
During searches, law enforcers confiscated equipment: portable computers, mobile phones, documents, payment cards and other items that prove the group was up to criminal activities. Investigation continues in order to determine the victims of this scam call centre.
Successful international cooperation helped put an end to an international criminal group. This was possible thanks to Eurojust support.
Latvian State Police urge residents to critically assess phone conversations in which the person on the other end claims to be a legal worker who wants to help recover allegedly stolen funds!
Police also remind residents to never provide third persons with access to their bank accounts. Residents should never install remote access software like “AnyDesk” and “TeamViewer” on their smartphone or personal computer at the request of unknown persons.
Also read: E-prescriptions issued in Latvia to be valid in other EU member states
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Authorities apprehend scam call centre workers; Latvian residents among their victims
