In Kyiv, the activities of a network of call centres used to recruit citizens of Kazakhstan for involvement in the illegal drug trade have been shut down. Eleven people were detained as a result of the operation.
HOW THE OPERATION UNFOLDED
According to Polisia.kz, a joint operation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MIA RK) and the National Police of Ukraine, coordinated by the general prosecutor's offices of both countries, took place on 28 May in the city of Kyiv.
As reported by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Combating Drug Crime of the MIA RK, Yeldar Abdikenov, the activities of the call centres were linked to a transnational criminal organisation allegedly involved in the production and sale of synthetic drugs across Europe and the CIS countries.
HOW THE RECRUITMENT SCHEME WORKED
It has been established that the call centres were used to find and engage citizens in illegal activities.
Operators and managers recruited individuals to work as so-called drug couriers and packagers within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
According to the investigation, the roles of participants, including the organisers and office staff, were assigned in advance.
RESULTS OF DETENTIONS AND SEARCHES
During the operation, 11 people were detained. Searches were conducted at nine addresses. Seized items include:
- cash amounting to approximately $40,000 and €10,000;
- a Range Rover vehicle;
- 18 mobile phones;
- 12 laptops and tablets.
According to Yeldar Abdikenov, an analysis of the seized equipment is currently underway, the accounts of the suspected organisers are being identified, and a financial investigation is ongoing.