The SBU CI exposed and stopped illegal activity by the officials of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) who were engaged in legalization of foreigners from the so-called migration risk countries.

The offenders illegally sent business invitations to Ukraine to foreigners from the Middle East and the Central Asia. They helped them to obtain temporary and permanent residence permits, as well as to contract sham marriages with Ukrainian citizens.

For bribes (from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000), the officials issued invitations and prepared all the necessary documents which they filed to the Ministry of Justice and the State Migration Service of Ukraine.

Thus, foreigners could obtain residence permits and cross the state border of Ukraine to go to the EU countries.

During the searches, the SBU seized:

• computer equipment;
• mobile phones; and
• other storage mediums proving the illegal activity.

The issue of serving the offenders suspicion notices is being settled.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Prosecutor General’s Office jointly with the Main Investigation Department of the National Police.