Police shut down Chișinău call center linked to 1,000-operator global fraud ring
Authorities in Moldova have dismantled a sophisticated call center in Chișinău used to orchestrate large-scale romance scams. The operation targeted victims primarily in Australia, India, and the United States.
The criminal network, active since May 2023, employed approximately 1,000 operators across various dating platforms. These operatives used fake identities and "catfishing" techniques to manipulate individuals seeking romantic connections.
The General Inspectorate of Police revealed that victims were charged up to $400 for access to "revolutionary" matching methods. Once the group extracted sufficient funds, all contact with the victims was abruptly severed.
Law enforcement detained two key figures: a 29-year-old team leader and a 51-year-old Ukrainian IT specialist. During searches, officers seized €10,000 (approx. 196,000 MDL) and $4,700 in cash, believed to be illicit proceeds.
The group was coordinated by 11 recruiters based in central Chișinău. Six of these recruiters were women, aged between 22 and 51, responsible for training the vast fleet of online operators.
The suspects are currently being interrogated by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office (PCCOCS). Investigations continue to identify the primary organizers of the network, both within Moldova and abroad.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
