$700,000 for facilitating escapes abroad: among the scheme's organizers — a deputy and a police officer

In Bukovina, law enforcement dismantled a large-scale scheme for illegally smuggling men across the state border of Ukraine. According to the investigation, a group of 10 members turned escapes abroad into an organized business.

Among the “clients” were not only those liable for military service, but also active servicemen. For them, transfers across Ukraine, clandestine routes, night logistics, rented apartments and hotels were organized.

The scheme used GPS navigation, radios, thermal imagers, drones and other equipment. Roles among participants were clearly divided.

According to the investigation, at least 10 people were illegally smuggled each month. Since December last year, about 60 men reached abroad this way. The organizers’ estimated profit exceeded 700 thousand US dollars.

Among the scheme’s participants were a deputy of the Irpin City Council and a police officer from the Chernivtsi region.

The investigation believes the deputy transported men and used his status to minimize risks during checks. The police officer, according to law enforcement, coordinated movement through checkpoints.

Then people were hidden, formed into small groups and smuggled into Romania outside official crossing points.

Law enforcement conducted 27 searches in the Chernivtsi region and Kyiv. Seized were UAVs, a GPS tracker, thermal imagers, surveillance cameras, 58 mobile phones, 9 radios, computer equipment, handwritten notes, gear, weapons and cash in various currencies totaling over 2.5 million UAH.

All participants in the scheme have been detained. They have been notified of suspicions of illegally transferring persons across the state border of Ukraine and of obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during a special period.

The court has already imposed preventive measures on the suspects. The sanctions of the articles provide for up to 9 years imprisonment with confiscation of property.

It is particularly striking that the scheme involves people who themselves represent the state: one was supposed to ensure compliance with the law, the other received a mandate of trust from the community. Instead, according to the investigation, they became part of an illegal business profiting from the war.