Ukraine to Add 12-Year Prison Term for Scam Call Centers

Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted on Wednesday to criminalize the operation of scam call centers in Ukraine.Under the newly adopted decision numbered 10190, Ukraine would add a new article to its Criminal Code to prosecute those involved in creating, leading, and participating in organized fraudulent groups operated electronically, with up to a 12-year prison sentence if convicted.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.The bill describes an electronic communications fraud group as one that consists of at least three people who plan and coordinate to steal property or property rights through deception via electronic communications.Its activities may include collecting or using personal, banking, payment, accounting, authentication and other data to commit fraud.State media Ukrinform said 313 lawmakers voted to support the decision.The decision came after an alleged protection scheme for the scam centers led to the ouster of Ukraine’s prosecutor general.In mid-September, Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies announced a new operation against the scam centers and alleged involvement of high-ranking officials from the Prosecutor General’s Office.The official was said to have protected the scam centers and helped launder millions in wealth, acquiring high-end real estate, expensive vehicles, and other luxury assets.Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraine’s prosecutor general, resigned from his post in the wake of the incident, alleging political pressure despite the case not implicating him. He later left the country in haste and published a video message announcing notices of suspicion against officials from anti-graft agencies, though they were never officially served. Other Topics of Interest Ukrainian Businesses Expect Hryvnia Revenue Growth, Brace for War Through 2027 An EBA survey of 88 CEOs found that Ukrainian businesses expect revenue growth in hryvnia terms, even as 98% are planning for the war to continue throughout the year. Parliament dismissed Kravchenko on Tuesday. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.