In Zakarpattia region, the SBU CI blocked the channel of illegal transportation of Russian citizens to the EU, Great Britain and the United States.

The operatives established that a resident of Berehiv district organized the illegal activity. He assisted foreigners, including Russians, in obtaining fictitious Hungarian citizenship for further visa-free entry to 162 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

The organizer of the scheme provided forgery of documents proving the existence of the necessary grounds. The offender made documents confirming the acquisition of citizenship and obtaining a permit to travel abroad via the diplomatic missions of Hungary in some countries of the European Union.

For his “services” the offender received EUR 25-30 thousand. Among the perpetrator’s “clients” were criminals and members of organized crime groups.

The SBU conducted searches of the perpetrator’s residence. During the investigation, evidence, confirming illegal activity was seized.

The offender was served a notice of suspicion of illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine and forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, sale or use of forged documents, seals and stamps.

The operation was conducted under supervision of Zakarpattia Region Prosecutor’s Office.

Note:

One of the conditions for obtaining citizenship is the presence of the candidate’s family roots in the Zakarpattia region, when it was part of Austria-Hungary until 1918 and part of the Kingdom of Hungary in 1939-1944.