The SBU continues to investigate large-scale issuing of seafarers' permits. Law enforcement identified another two organizers of illegal business.

Due to investigation of SBU cyber specialists, the offenders received suspicion notices of unauthorized interference in the work of electronic computers (computers), automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks. The type of detention is being chosen.

The involvement of former and current high-ranking officials of the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine and the Inspectorate for the Training and Certification of Seafarers is being verified.

The SBU conducted additional searches of the offenders’ residences and found new evidence of their illegal activities, in particular:

• black accounting records;
• computers and means of communication.

We remind that in July of this year, the SBU exposed and blocked illegal issuing of seafarers' certificates. For this, the offenders set up a network of intermediaries and illegally interfered with the state register.

The approximate annual profit was more than USD 150 m.

A pre-trial investigation is underway to prosecute others involved in the illegal activities.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Department for CI Protection of the State's Interests in the Sphere of Information Security jointly with the SBU Main Directorate in the AR of Crimea (located in Kherson), under the supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office.