The SBU blocked transit traffic of foreigners across the state border of Ukraine into the EU. It was established that the route was used, in particular, by people from countries with a high terrorist risk.

In Kyiv region, SBU officers detained two organizers of an illegal migration channel while preparing to smuggle four foreigners abroad.

According to the investigation, an illegal scheme was organized by citizens of Ukraine and one of the countries of the South Caucasus. They searched for foreigners through personal contacts, in particular from the Middle East, who were trying to enter the European Union.

In order to cross the state border, the offenders provided their clients with forged documents, including passports, certificates of higher education, invitations from foreign countries, etc. A package of forged documents cost EUR 2000-4000.

During searches of offenders’ residences in Kyiv and Lviv regions, law enforcement officers revealed:

• forged passports and temporary residence permits in Ukraine;
• mobile terminals, computer equipment, bank cards and draft records with evidence of illegal activity;
• money probably received from customers.

Within the criminal proceedings upon illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine and forgery of documents, SBU investigators served both detainees with suspicion notices. The issue of choosing a type of detention is being resolved.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the offense and prosecute all involved individuals.

The operation was conducted jointly with servicemen of the Separate Kyiv Checkpoint of the State Border Guard Service under the supervision of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.