The Security Service’s Counterintelligence Department, in collaboration with the National Police, has dismantled another scheme of illegal legalisation of foreign nationals in Ukraine. Following extensive operations in Vinnytsia, the head of a regional branch of a state-owned enterprise and five of his accomplices have been apprehended.

According to the investigation, those involved include the director of the state institution, the head of one of its departments, his subordinate, the head of a local charity, and two entrepreneurs.

The perpetrators issued temporary residence permits to foreign nationals in Ukraine on the basis of fictitious employment in exchange for bribes of varying amounts.

It has been established that the main clients were nationals from Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including individuals posing a heightened risk of terrorism.

According to operational data, these clients may have included members of the russian intelligence network, used by the aggressor state for intelligence and subversive activities in moscow’s interests.

It has been documented that, after receiving illicit benefits, officials entered false details about the illegal immigrants into state registers and subsequently issued residence permits.

During thirty simultaneous searches of the suspects’ homes and workplaces, the investigators seized computer equipment, mobile phones, written records containing evidence of criminal offences and forged documents ready for sale.

All six detainees have now been served with notices of suspicion in relation to their actions under the Articles of the CCU:

• 332.3 (illegal smuggling of persons across Ukraine’s state border);
• 368.3 (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public official);
• 369-2.2 (abuse of influence).

The decision on a preventive measure is pending. The suspects face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and the confiscation of their property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Vinnytsia region jointly with the National Police, under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.