The Security Service of Ukraine exposed businessmen from Sievierodonetsk city, who registered part of their business in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region and organized passenger transportation by bus to the aggressor country.

SBU established that during 2016-2020 the businessmen’s buses carried out regular transportation of citizens from Donetsk through the uncontrolled part of the border. At least 2 bus trips were carried out daily from the temporarily occupied territories to Russia and back. Passenger traffic was more than 1.5 thousand citizens per month.

The monthly revenue of the suspects amounted to UAH 1.5 to 3 million (USD 55,000 – 110,000). The organizers paid part of their profit to the so-called “DNR” budget. In particular, the money was used to finance IAF and terrorist activities.

The law enforcement conducted 9 searches of the suspects’ offices and residences in Sievierodonetsk city. SBU investigators seized financial and accounting documentation proving the illegal activity of the suspects.

As of now, the issue of serving the detainees notices of suspicion of committing crimes under Part 1 of Art. 258-3 and Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is being settled.

Investigation is ongoing to establish and bring to justice other persons involved in the illegal transporting services.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for Fighting Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with the investigators of the SBU Office in Poltava region under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Poltava region.