Russia Uncovers Fake Call Center Scam Targeting Over 50 Countries

                             Russian Fake Call Centers Accused of Scamming Over 50 Countries

On Tuesday, December 3, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) detained 11 employees linked to a fraudulent call center network accused of orchestrating scams in over 50 countries, including India. Allegedly, the scam defrauded over 100,000 individuals worldwide, with promises of high returns on investments. Victims were lured into schemes and subsequently had their money stolen. These call centers reportedly generated approximately $1 million daily.

According to indian newspaper Anandabazar,Accusations have emerged that a fake call center operation based in Russia orchestrated scams targeting over 50 countries, including India. On Monday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) detained 11 employees of the fraudulent call center organization. It is alleged that over 100,000 people were financially defrauded. Initially, victims were lured with promises of high returns on investments. Once they fell for the trap, their money was siphoned off. Reports suggest that these fake call centers generated approximately $1 million in daily earnings. According to Reuters, Russian investigative authorities suspect a connection between this international fraud network and a former Georgian minister.

In a statement, the FSB revealed that these fake call centers were linked to an organized international crime syndicate. Citizens from several countries, including India, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and various EU nations, were targeted through this fraudulent network. As per Reuters, the FSB also stated that the scam network is tied to David Kezerashvili, a former Georgian Defense Minister, who is reportedly hiding in London. When contacted by Reuters, a spokesperson for the former Georgian minister declined to comment on the matter.

According to, Reuters, the FSB suspects connections between this scam and Georgia’s former Defense Minister, David Kezerashvili, who is believed to be in hiding in London. The FSB’s statement described the operation as part of an international organized crime network targeting citizens in India, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and various EU nations.

Allegations Against David Kezerashvili

David Kezerashvili served as Georgia's Defense Minister between 2006 and 2008 during President Mikheil Saakashvili's tenure. Kezerashvili’s company, Milton Group, has previously faced accusations of international fraud. In 2020, the BBC published an investigative report implicating Kezerashvili and his firm in fraudulent activities. Although Kezerashvili challenged the report in court, a recent ruling favored him.

Modus Operandi

The scam operated by luring victims with promises of high returns on investments. Once individuals took the bait, their financial and personal details were exploited to siphon off their money.

Link to International Crime Syndicate

In a statement, the FSB revealed that the fake call centers were linked to an international crime syndicate. Victims from countries like India, the European Union, the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Japan fell prey to this sophisticated operation.

Connection to Former Defense Minister

The FSB suspects the involvement of David Kezerashvili, Georgia's former Defense Minister, in this scam. He is believed to be hiding in London.Kezerashvili served as Georgia’s Defense Minister from 2006 to 2008. His company, "Milton Group," has previously faced allegations of international fraud.In 2020, a BBC investigation uncovered massive fraudulent activities linked to him.

Rise in Cybercrime in India

The Indian government has also noted a significant rise in cybercrimes. According to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), there were 740,000 complaints filed between January and April 2023, compared to 1.5 million complaints in the entire year of 2022. The data indicates that financial fraud through investment scams accounted for ₹2,225 crore ($270 million) during this period.

Expert Opinions

Experts stress the urgent need for international coordination to tackle such cybercrime networks. These scams not only cause financial harm but also pose risks to national and social security.

Russia’s Actions

The FSB reported seizing critical documents and information from the suspects. Further investigation may reveal more about the scale and operations of this international crime ring.

The rise of cybercrime underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to combat such organized fraud schemes.