The SSU Counterintelligence jointly with the National Police and in cooperation with the MFA of Ukraine shut down a channel of illegal migration of people from high terrorist risk countries to the EU.

As a result of an operation, the second secretary for consular and administrative affairs of Ukraine’s Embassy in a Central Asian country, who organized the transnational traffic, was exposed in Kyiv.

While working at the diplomatic institution, the woman offered citizens from several South Asian countries to illegally travel to the EU in transit through Ukraine. The cost of such a ‘service’ reached USD 3,000 per an illegal immigrant.

For this purpose, the official issued visas for her ‘clients’ to enter our country as students of Ukrainian higher education institutions.

She involved two foreigners in the unlawful activity - they looked for clients, discussed ‘terms of travel’ and handed over money to the organizer.

According to current data, up to 900 individuals from terrorist risk states have used the channel.

The consul used the ‘profits’ to purchase luxury real estate in downtown Kyiv and Odesa.

According to the investigation, the official took a civil servant’s oath back in 1995 after graduating from moscow youth institute. She then worked for various government agencies and private companies in Ukraine, and since 2007 has been working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the searches of her Kyiv apartment, the law enforcement found computer equipment, mobile phones and records with evidence of the crimes.

The consul has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 332.3 of the CCU (illegal trafficking of persons across the state border of Ukraine committed by an organized group).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The issue of her removal from office is under consideration. The offender’s accomplices will be put on the international wanted list.

The investigation is underway. The suspect is facing up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.