Zelensky Signs Law Making Call Center Fraud a Criminal Offense in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed into law on September 16 a bill establishing criminal liability for fraudulent call centers. The legislation, known as Bill No. 10190, amends the Criminal Code to criminalize a wide range of telecom fraud activities that have plagued Ukraine and affected citizens both domestically and abroad.

What the Law Covers

The new law establishes criminal liability for electronic-communications fraud, defined as the unlawful collection, storage, processing, and use of personal data and information protected as banking secrecy. Operators of such illegal call centers can now face criminal prosecution rather than administrative fines.

President's Remarks

Zelensky said after signing: "I want to thank parliament members today for productive votes. It is important that they supported criminal liability for fraudulent call centers. The liability must be severe."

Context

Fraudulent call centers have long been a serious problem, with criminal networks targeting Ukrainian citizens and people in neighboring countries with financial scams. The new law significantly tightens the legal framework, giving prosecutors stronger tools to dismantle such operations.