CLOSING OF CALL CENTERS IN UKRAINE. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CHECKS AND SEARCHES?

On June 5, 2023, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk signed the Decree on the formation of the Interim Investigative Commission of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to investigate possible facts of illegal activities in the field of financial services and financial services markets, which is carried out using information, electronic communication, information and communication systems and electronic communication networks

What is this commission and what is it for?

As explained in the Verkhovna Rada, in recent years in Ukraine, illegal, and in some cases criminal activities in the service sector, such as: FOREX, Sberbank, casinos, traffic arbitration, law firms, sales of dietary supplements and distribution of pornographic content (OnlyFans, marriage agencies), etc.

In the period from 2021 to 2023, as reported by the Cyber Police Department, more than 7,000 citizens’ complaints about call center fraud were registered, and this is only on the territory of Ukraine.

The Temporary Investigation Commission is said to be called upon to identify and counteract, check and prosecute such call centers. In my opinion, the main functions are the regulation and systematization of the work of this business. After all, everyone is well aware, from law enforcement officers to deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, that this is a type of activity that brings a millionth fortune to its owners and, as a rule, is not declared in any way, and more is legalized, even without paying the appropriate taxes. The owners of such a business are a caste of citizens who are under pressure and a corruption component.

So, how exactly this Interim Investigative Commission will act and by what methods, and most importantly, how it will distinguish who will be “visited” and who will not – the question is still open. I advise everyone, without exception, to start preparing for such a test today, so that it will not be too late tomorrow. Of course, no one can help you with this in the same way that specialized lawyers in criminal and corporate law will do.

What you need to have first of all for a “painless” passage of a possible check / search:

• Duly registered legal entities (LLC), individual entrepreneurs (PE);
• The work of employees must be officially fixed and, if necessary, confirmed by a contract (employment contract, civil law contract, contract for the provision of services for sole proprietorship);
• Primary documentation, through contracts with counterparties, acts of acceptance and transfer, services rendered, etc.;
• Each employee must be instructed on his actions, rights and obligations when conducting a search in the office by law enforcement agencies;
• Desired security/security system for your office premises;
• MANDATORY an agreement with a highly qualified lawyer who will come as your representative if necessary;
• an accountant who will correctly maintain personnel and financial records of the company and submit all necessary reports to the authorized bodies in a timely manner.

These are the most important components of passing a search of your office.

We, as the law firm Prikhodko & Partners, will quickly and efficiently analyze your legal and financial business structure, correct shortcomings and give advice on the necessary steps to secure and further develop your business. So we are looking forward to your consultation.