Russian Coms Fraud Network Shut Down by National Crime Agency
On 1 August 2024, The National Crime Agency (NCA)announced the successful dismantling of a significant fraud platform known as Russian Coms. Established in 2021, the platform facilitated approximately 1.8 million scam calls across 107 countries, leading to severe financial losses for many victims. The NCA’s action is expected to disrupt a significant source of fraudulent activity globally.
Today, the NCA can reveal that they have shut down a platform used by hundreds of criminals to defraud victims across the world.
The Russian Coms platform enabled criminals to make calls which appeared to originate from legitimate institutions such as banks and law enforcement agencies. This tactic helped fraudsters gain the trust of their victims before defrauding them of their money and personal details. According to the NCA, over 170,000 individuals in the UK alone were affected, with average financial losses exceeding £9,400 per victim. The platform’s reach extended internationally, with calls to 500,000 unique UK phone numbers and victims across diverse locations, including the USA, New Zealand, and France.
🚨 The NCA has shut down 'Russian Coms' – a major fraud platform responsible for over 1.8 million scam calls. Watch this video to understand how criminals used this platform to scam victims and steal their money.
Russian Coms was marketed as both a handset and a web application. The handset, costing between £1,200 and £1,400 for a six-month contract, was disguised with non-functional applications and VPNs to avoid detection. The web app, available for £350 per month and payable via cryptocurrency, was advertised through social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the shutdown. In March, two, aged 26 and 28, believed to be platform developers, were apprehended in Newham, London. A third individual, a suspected courier, was arrested in Potters Bar. All three have been released on bail as investigations continue.
Statements from Authorities
Adrian Searle, Director of the National Economic Crime Centre within the NCA, highlighted the significance of the operation: “Criminals are increasingly using technology to carry out fraud and other crimes on an industrial scale, causing very real harm to victims in the UK and across the world.” Searle emphasised that despite the anonymity promised by such platforms, the data they store can lead to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
Assistant CommissionerNik Adams from the City of London Police stressed the devastating impact of fraud on victims: “Fraud is a devastating crime which can have a huge impact on victims, both financially and psychologically.” He advised individuals to remain vigilant and verify any unexpected communications from financial institutions.
Lord SirDavid Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office, commended the NCA’s efforts and underscored the government’s commitment to tackling fraud: “…That’s why this action from the NCA is so significant. Shutting down an illegal platform used by hundreds of criminals.” He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to working with law enforcement and industry to enhance fraud prevention.
Conclusion
The closure of Russian Coms marks a significant victory in the fight against international fraud. By disrupting this major platform and arresting key individuals, the NCA has delivered a strong message to criminals using technology to commit fraud. As investigations continue, the UK and international partners will remain vigilant to combat such crimes and protect individuals from further harm.
