The SSU and the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova have blocked a transnational channel of illegal migration to the EU.

As a result of complex efforts, an international investigative team documented the criminal activity and detained organizers and participants of the ‘scheme’.

For money, the offenders offered Ukrainian men of military age to leave our country bypassing the checkpoints.

The ‘traffic’ went through Vinnytsia and Chernivtsi regions to Moldova and then by ‘detours’ to the EU states.

One of the routes used by the perpetrators for covert transportation was by boat across the border river.

The price for such ‘services’ started at USD 4,500. The amount depended on the region of residence and urgency of departure.

Prompt response and coordinated actions of Ukrainian and Moldovan special services prevented over a hundred draft evaders from illegally leaving for Western countries.

According to the investigation, a transnational criminal group specializing in illegal migration was involved in the crime.

The group included citizens of Ukraine and Moldova.

To find potential clients, the dealers used their own connections, including in criminal circles.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, the law enforcement found material evidence of the crime, including money received from such ‘tourists’.

Criminal proceeding was opened under the Article 332 of the CCU (unlawful transportation of people across Ukraine’s state border). The investigation is ongoing.

Activities to expose and block illegal migration were carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.