The SSU continues to fight against transnational organized crime that poses a threat to Ukraine’s state security.

As a result of a large-scale operation on the border with the self-proclaimed Transnistria, the SSU Counterintelligence neutralized a large criminal group headed by a ‘citizen’ of the unrecognized republic.

The criminals, with the participation of a corrupt border guard, organized a channel for unlawful transportation of Ukrainian men of conscript age abroad.

The illegal ‘traffic’ ran to neighboring European countries through the territory of the so-called ‘PMR’.

The price for such ‘services’ per client was USD 5,500 and higher. The cost depended on the person’s financial capabilities and urgency of departure.

The routes of draft evaders’ escape went beyond the checkpoints on the state border. The offenders used their own vehicles to drive over the rough terrain.

According to the investigation, the group consisted of several residents of the border area. They were looking for potential clients for illegal travelling to foreign countries.

A resident of unrecognized Transnistria acted as a ‘guide’ and gave instructions for further actions abroad.

The SSU documented the criminal scheme and detained all members of the group on an attempt to smuggle three draft evaders out of Ukraine.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, the law enforcement found:

• cash obtained in a criminal way;
• mobile phones with evidence of unlawful actions.

The detainees were notified of suspicion under Article 332.3 if the CCU (unlawful transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine). Court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Counterintelligence and the SSU Vinnitsa Office carried out the operation jointly with the State Border Guard Service and the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.