The SSU has shut down another channel of illegal departure of Ukrainian men of military age to foreign countries.

As a result of operational and investigative activities in Chernihiv region, three organizers of illegal traffic were identified.

They are local businessmen who offered potential conscripts to go to the EU posing as volunteers.

The price of such ‘services’ started at USD 5,000. The cost depended on the urgency of departure and clients’ financial capabilities.

The dealers registered evaders as members of a local charitable organization headed by a deputy of Chernihiv City Council.

Then, information on fictitious ‘volunteers’ was submitted to the Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development in order to enter it into the Shliakh electronic system.

Due to a prompt response, the SSU prevented up to 10 draft evaders from fleeing abroad.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes and offices, the law enforcement found:

• tens of thousands of USD obtained by criminal means;
• computer equipment with evidence of unlawful activities;
• seals of a civil organization, which was used to counterfeit documents.

Two Kalashnikov rifles and ammunition of various calibers were also seized from the suspects.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 114-1 (obstruction of lawful activity of the AFU and other military formations);
• 332.3 (illegal transportation of persons across Ukraine’s state border).

Court chose custody without the right to bail as a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Chernihiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.