SBU cyber ​​specialists in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure exposed and blocked a large-scale issuing of seamen' certificates. Investigation took place under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Law enforcement established that the state register was under control of third parties. Due to illegal issuance of documents, they managed to make over USD 150 m. a year.

The offenders set up a network of intermediaries and illegally interfered with the state register.  For money, intermediaries helped seamen to pass regular examinations.

If a sailor tried to pass the test on his own via personal account, he faced obstacles deliberately created by the offenders. For example, delays in issuing certificates or fake results of examination.

Therefore, he had to turn to mediators. Via a specialized app they uploaded sailor’s documents, forged positive results of testing, as well as provided confirmation of proficiency. At the same time, the seaman did not need to visit training centers, take courses or undergo health checks.

Depending on the position of the sailor, the cost of services ranged from USD 3,000 to 8,000.

The SBU established that illegal business involved former and current officials of the State Service for Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine and the Inspectorate for the Training and Certification of Seafarers.

Via created channels in different messengers, they coordinated their work.

Currently, cyber specialists blocked an access to the register and related automated systems.

The SBU is taking all the measures to return the register to the state and restore its operation.

A large-scale operation was carried out by theSBU cyber specialists and the officers of the SBU Main Office in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. Searches took place in the offenders’ offices, data centers and residences. The issue of serving suspicion notices is being resolved. Investigative actions are underway.