In Odesa region, the SSU in cooperation with the National Police neutralized an international criminal group that illegally smuggled citizens of call-up age abroad. The offenders used an ambulance with a medical crew to covertly transport the evaders.

Clients were transferred to the border with a neighboring European country, bypassing checkpoints. In the so-called "green zone", the evaders were met by another accomplice, who escorted them to the neighboring state through forest trails.

As a result of comprehensive measures, law enforcement officers stopped an ambulance on the Odesa-Reni highway, carrying two evaders to the border with flashing lights.

In addition, the organizers of the criminal group were detained.

According to the investigation, they were two foreign citizens with temporary residence permits in Ukraine and a resident of Odesa region.

For money, they assisted potential conscripts in avoiding mobilization and illegally traveling abroad.

The cost of such "services" ranged from USD 4,800 per client. The money was transferred to a bank card of an accomplice from the southern region of Ukraine.

The searches of the suspects’ homes revealed:

• money obtained in a criminal way;
• bank cards and mobile phones with evidence of unlawful actions.

The detainees were notified of suspicion under Article 332.3 of the CCU (unlawful transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine). They are in custody facing up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property. 

In addition, the ambulance crew involved in the illegal activity is to be charged.

The SSU Office in Kherson region carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Odesa region Prosecutor’s Office.