Protection of call centers and money laundering: criminal organization led by PGO official exposed (PHOTOS)

NABU and SAPO have exposed a criminal organization whose members systematically received bribes from fraudulent call centers and laundered millions in criminal proceeds. The scheme was organized by a head of a department at the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO).

According to the investigation, the PGO official established and headed the criminal organization in mid-2025. He involved both current employees of the prosecutor’s office and individuals from his informal circle in the illegal activities.

The members of the criminal organization established a mechanism for systematically receiving bribes in exchange for not interfering with the unlawful activities of so-called call centers. These shadow operations carried out large-scale fraudulent schemes targeting both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners.

The suspects laundered the proceeds obtained through criminal activity through several schemes.

More than UAH 20 million was spent on the purchase of real estate, jewelry, and other valuable movable assets.

The head of the organization laundered assets worth over UAH 12 million (at minimum market value) by re-registering them to third parties to conceal actual ownership. These assets include real estate in a popular apartment complex near the Carpathian Mountains.

Members of the organization deposited over UAH 10 million into the bank accounts of close associates, disguising the funds as legitimate business income.

Five members of the criminal organization have been exposed so far.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to identify other potential participants in the criminal organization.

The suspects' actions fall under Article 255 (creation, leadership of, or participation in a criminal organization) and Article 209 (money laundering) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.