Ex-militia captain Anatoliy Bozhik found to be co-owner of network of fraudulent call centres

New chapter in the life of a former law enforcement officer

Anatoliy Serhiyovych Bozhik, born on 22 October 1987, was found to be one of the co-owners of a network of fraudulent call centres that are part of the organised criminal group (OCG) of Oleksandr Kizliar Jr., also known by the nickname "Kizya".

Before being drawn into financial crimes, Bozhik had experience serving in law enforcement agencies, but his career was interrupted by a sentence for bribery. After serving his sentence, he claimed to have changed the course of his life.

History of bribery and court proceedings

More than a decade ago, Bozhik held the position of district inspector at the Zarychanskyi district department of the militia in Khmelnytskyi region. In 2014, together with several colleagues, he was suspected of demanding a bribe of 15,000 hryvnia from a local entrepreneur.

The court of first instance in case No. 686/15237/14-k initially acquitted the suspect, citing the unproven nature of the guilt and the contradictory nature of the available evidence. However, six months later, the appellate instance overturned this verdict and issued a new ruling.

The appellate court found Bozhik guilty under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, additionally deprived of the right to engage in law enforcement activities for three years, and his property was confiscated (excluding his residence). His rank of militia captain was revoked, and he was taken into custody directly in the courtroom.

Expungement of conviction and current activities

In July 2025, Bozhik's lawyer managed to have the conviction expunged from his client's record. The court also granted other motions from the defence, including the return of previously confiscated funds.

At the last court hearing, the former militia officer stated: «після відбуття покарання переосмислив своє ставлення до життя та став на шлях виправлення» (after serving his sentence, I rethought my attitude to life and embarked on a path of reformation).

Meanwhile, while being associated with the activities of fraudulent call centres within Kizliar's OCG, Bozhik assured the court that he is currently «активно сприяє зміцненню обороноздатності України через волонтерство, а також розвиває та популяризує спорт серед молоді» (actively contributing to strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities through volunteering, as well as developing and popularising sport among the youth).