The SSU is systemically fighting against transnational organized crime, which is a threat to Ukraine’s state security amidst the ongoing war.

As a result of operational and investigative activities in Zaporizhzhia, the SSU neutralized a criminal group engaged in unlawful ‘legalization’ of foreigners in our country.

Among their clients were russian citizens involved in committing grave and especially grave crimes, including murder.

For them, the criminals counterfeited visas, passports and residence permits in Ukraine.

Later, some of the clients-foreigners planned to travel to the EU.

The cost of fake documents ranged from USD 2,000 to 3,000 per person, depending on the urgency of the ‘order’.

The dealers also offered fake passes for vehicles, which allowed to drive freely during curfews, and fictitious documents for draft evaders on ‘unfitness for military service’.

According to intelligence, over 90 people have used the group’s ‘services’ since June 2022.

The criminal network consisted of 5 individuals with previous convictions from Zaporizhzhia region.

They organized the clandestine business in two office premises in downtown Zaporizhzhia. Computers and equipment for manufacturing counterfeits were installed in the offices.

They looked for customers through personal connections and on specialized Internet forums.

During the searches of the suspects’ offices, homes and cars, the SSU found:

• samples of counterfeits and equipment for their production;
• counterfeit seals, stamps and letterheads of authorities;
• counterfeit vehicle passes;
• proceeds of crime.

The organizer and two active members of the group have been served notices of suspicion under Article 332.3 of the CCU (illegal transportation of persons across the state border).

The court chose custody as a measure of restraint for the group’s organizer. The investigation is underway.

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