In Odesa region, the SBU exposed and blocked the scheme of illegal migration across the state border.

Allegedly, a citizen of a neighboring country organized illegal human trafficking of Ukrainians and foreigners. He provided clients with "service" of crossing the state border bypassing the established checkpoints. The illegal migrants’ final destination was a European country.

The SBU officers detained the organizer of the channel during another attempt to transfer two persons abroad under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The illegal migrants belonged to the criminal environment and did not have any legal documents, that is why the cost of their transfer was USD 5,200.

Allegedly, the illegal business existed for almost a year, the organizer transferred up to 10 people every month.

The issues of serving the suspect a notice of suspicion of illegal movement of persons across the state border of Ukraine and choosing a type of detention are being settled.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The information on the involvement of State Border Guard Service officials in illegal activities is being checked.

The operation was conducted jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.