An organized group involved in computer fraud, scams and money laundering was dismantled by the NAC and PCCOCS. 12 people - detained for 72 hours

The National Anti-corruption Centre (NAC) together with the prosecutors of the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS) have announced the dismantling of a criminal network, specialized in call-centre services, whose members are suspected of committing computer fraud, money laundering and scams on a particularly large scale. 12 people were detained last night following 35 searches carried out by NAC officers and PCCOCS prosecutors, which targeted two call-centres in the municipality of Chisinau.

According to the materials administered, several individuals from the Republic of Moldova, aged between 20 and 50, formed an organized criminal group with the aim of committing several crimes, mainly the deprivation of financial means from foreign citizens. Under the pretext of providing services, including the sale of trucks, vintage cars, maritime vessels, etc., the suspects deceived potential buyers, and after taking possession of the money, they stopped responding to the victims' calls.

Also, during the criminal investigation, it was found that to disguise the origin of the money, the group members redirected the financial means to the accounts of various individuals located in off-shore areas, after which they were converted into cryptocurrency and stored on electronic wallets. Subsequently, using fictitious loan contracts, the money entered the accounts of the group members. During the course of the investigations, the NAC and PCCOCS managed to document the illegal acquisition of over 9,000,000 lei.

Following the searches, carried out at the suspects' homes, cars and workplaces, several pieces of evidence relevant to the investigation were seized, financial means in different currencies and four luxury cars – 2 Mercedes S-class, 1 Mercedes G and a Land Rover Range Rover (year of manufacture 2023-2024).

The activity of investigating all the circumstances is carried out by the CNA within a criminal case managed by the PCCOCS.

We specify that any person shall be presumed innocent until a final and irrevocable court decision is rendered.