The SSU CI disrupted a channel for illegal migration to the EU via Ukraine. According to estimates, over 100 migrants have used this unlawful scheme.

The organizers were residents of Kyiv and their foreign accomplices. They set up a scheme to arrange illegal stay of natives of South Asian countries in Ukraine.

The offenders created several bogus companies and arranged fictitious invitations for foreigners to Ukrainian universities under the guise of international student exchange program.

However, the ‘students’ were able to leave for the EU states using Ukraine as a transit point.

The criminal group operated throughout Ukraine. They met migrants, provided accommodation and preliminarily legalized them using fictitious documents.

Then, they formed groups and illicitly transported the ‘students’ across the border. 

According to estimates, the criminals have managed to traffic over 100 foreigners. The price for their services ranged, depending on destination, from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000. The most popular destinations were Western European states.

The law enforcement carried out searches in Kyiv and Kyiv region and uncovered a group of 15 individuals that were supposed to be moved to Europe. The officers also seized fictitious documents for the migrants and vehicles used for transportation.

One of the organizers was notified of suspicion of illegal transportation of people over the state border.

The investigative actions are underway to bring to justice three other persons involved and deport illegal migrants to their home countries.

The SSU carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the supervision of Kyiv Svyatoshynskyi District Prosecutor’s Office.