The SSU has carried out another large-scale special operation to shut down channels of illegal transportation of Ukrainian citizens of call-up age abroad.

Thanks to the SSU’s prompt response, more than a hundred draft evaders were prevented from fleeing across the border.

Organizers of illegal trafficking offered potential conscripts to leave Ukraine posing as volunteers or ‘bypassing’ checkpoints.

The cost of such ‘services’ was USD 4,000 and higher. The sum depended on the region of residence and urgency of departure.

In Kyiv region, the SSU exposed a local resident who ‘registered’ her clients as representatives of a local charity organization.

Then, the woman entered false information into the Shliakh system.

To do this, the organizer used her connections, including among members of one of the district councils in Kyiv region.

The organizer of the criminal scheme was notified of suspicion under the Article 332.3 of the CCU. Court is to decide on a measure of restraint.

Another illegal migration scheme was dismantled in Odesa oblast. An international criminal group was involved in its organization.

The offenders secretly smuggled persons of military age to the EU, bypassing the established checkpoints.

They provided their ‘clients’ with a detailed plan of movement through local landscapes and infrastructure.

Another channel of illegal departure to the EU was through Moldova.

To find ‘clients’, its organizers used a specially created Telegram channel. Further, the offenders planned to take evaders abroad by cars.

Criminal proceedings were opened under the Articles of the CCU:

• 358.4 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, sale or use of forged documents, seals, stamps),
• 332.3 (illegal transportation of persons across Ukraine’s state border).

The investigations are ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Investigators are also considering additional qualification of the offenders’ actions under the Article 114-1 if the CCU (obstruction of lawful activity of the AFU and other military formations).

The SSU Main Investigation Department and the SSU National Statehood Protection Department exposed the offenders jointly with the SSU Offices in Rivne and Odesa regions, the National Police and the State Border Guard Service under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office and local prosecutor’s offices.