Exposure of a criminal organisation in the Dnipropetrovsk region: a lawyer’s commentary

Law enforcement authorities in the Dnipropetrovsk region recently reported exposing a criminal organisation that allegedly used a fraudulent call centre to obtain almost UAH 1.7 million from Israeli citizens. This case illustrates how telephone fraud has evolved into complex organised criminal activity with a clear hierarchy and specialised roles.

Case facts

According to the investigation, members of the alleged criminal organisation set up a fraudulent call centre in Kamianske. From there, they called potential victims while posing as employees of banks, mobile operators or internet service providers. Using pre-prepared call scripts, the suspects allegedly obtained access to victims’ online banking accounts and misappropriated their funds.

Key details:

• At least five foreign nationals were identified as victims.
• On 11 August 2026, police conducted a series of searches at the suspects’ homes, in vehicles and at the call centre’s office premises.
• The following were seized: more than UAH 1.6 million, approximately USD 76,000, more than EUR 30,000, bank cards, mobile phones, computer equipment, four vehicles, documents and records.
• Nine individuals were notified of suspicion.
• The whereabouts of one further suspect are being established.

Criminal-law classification

The suspects are alleged to have committed criminal offences under the following provisions.

Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: criminal organisation

Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine establishes liability for establishing or leading a criminal community or criminal organisation, as well as for participation in one.

Part 1 of Article 255 — establishing or leading a criminal organisation:

Penalty: imprisonment for a term of 5 to 12 years, with confiscation of property.

Part 2 of Article 255 — participation in a criminal organisation:

Penalty: imprisonment for a term of 3 to 8 years.

Importantly, an offence under Article 255 is considered complete from the moment the organisation is formed or a person joins it, irrespective of whether its members have committed specific offences.

Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: fraud

In this case, the suspects are alleged to have committed an offence under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: fraud committed on an especially large scale or by an organised group.

Part 5 of Article 190

Penalty: imprisonment for a term of 5 to 12 years, with confiscation of property.

For fraud, an “especially large scale” is defined as an amount exceeding 600 tax-free minimum incomes of citizens. At present, this exceeds UAH 10,200. The alleged loss in this case—UAH 1.7 million—significantly exceeds that threshold.

Part 4 of Article 28 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: commission of an offence by an organised group

The additional classification under Part 4 of Article 28 emphasises that the alleged offence was committed by an organised group—that is, a group of persons who previously formed a stable association to commit this and other offences.

Why the case matters

This case demonstrates several troubling trends in contemporary crime:

• Transnational nature. The victims are Israeli citizens, indicating the cross-border scale of the organisation’s alleged activity.
• High level of organisation. Each participant allegedly performed a separate function, while all actions formed a single scheme to obtain funds.
• Professional approach. The use of pre-prepared call scripts and impersonation of bank and telecom employees.
• Significant amounts. The seizure of UAH 1.6 million, USD 76,000 and EUR 30,000 points to the alleged systematic and large-scale nature of the activity.

Practical defence considerations

As a criminal defence lawyer, I identify several key areas of work in organised-fraud cases.

1. Distinguishing participants’ roles

In cases involving criminal organisations, it is essential to establish the specific role each suspect played. Organisers and leaders face significantly more severe liability than ordinary participants.

2. Reviewing the lawfulness of searches and seizures

The series of searches conducted on 11 August must be carefully reviewed for compliance with procedural requirements. Any violations may provide grounds for evidence to be ruled inadmissible.

3. Proving the amount of damage

The investigation is determining the “full amount of damage” and identifying “all victims.” The defence may challenge the alleged amounts where they are not supported by proper evidence.

Preventive measures: detention

The issue of imposing pre-trial detention on the suspects is currently being considered. In cases involving especially serious offences—such as Part 5 of Article 190 and Part 1 of Article 255 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—courts often select detention, particularly where:

• there is a risk of absconding from the investigation;
• evidence may be destroyed;
• suspects may continue criminal activity.

Advice for citizens

This case is a reminder to remain vigilant:

• Never disclose bank-card details, online-banking passwords or CVV codes over the phone.
• Do not trust calls from alleged “bank employees,” “police officers” or “technical support” demanding urgent action.
• Verify the information: if someone claims to call from your bank, independently call the bank’s official hotline.
• Do not install remote-access software, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, at the instruction of unknown persons.
• Stay calm: fraudsters often create artificial panic, for example by claiming that “your account has been hacked” or that “a security deposit is urgently required.”

Conclusion

The exposure of the alleged criminal organisation in the Dnipropetrovsk region is an important signal for both law enforcement and the public. For the suspects, the case will be a serious challenge, as it concerns especially serious offences carrying the most severe sanctions. For society, it is a reminder that telephone fraud remains a current threat requiring ongoing vigilance.

As a lawyer, I encourage anyone suspected in similar cases to seek professional legal assistance immediately. A properly selected defence strategy at the early stages of criminal proceedings can materially affect the outcome of a case.

Nazar Al-Mziravi
Attorney at Law, specialising in criminal law and defence in fraud and organised-crime cases, WINNER Law Firm.

If you or someone close to you is in a similar situation, please seek a consultation.