An organised group involved in smuggling conscripts abroad has been uncovered in Bukovina
The National Police of Ukraine, in collaboration with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, have uncovered an organised criminal group in Bukovina that had set up a large-scale scheme to smuggle men liable for military service abroad.
The group consisted of seven people. The organiser was a 43-year-old resident of the Chernivtsi region, who recruited six further accomplices from among local residents living near the border. The participants had clearly defined roles, including finding clients, transport, escorting them and determining crossing routes.
Those wishing to leave Ukraine were sought out through acquaintances, after which they were organised into small groups. Payment was agreed with them, and they were instructed on what to do when crossing the border, as well as how to behave in Romania and how to obtain documents for staying in European Union countries.
The individuals were transported to the Chernivtsi region, bypassing checkpoints, and housed in a specially equipped building in one of the border villages. There they awaited further instructions.
Other members of the group identified crossing points along the state border and carried out surveillance. To this end, they used drone detectors, thermal imaging cameras, night-vision devices, optical equipment and camera traps. The guides accompanied clients through difficult mountainous terrain spanning approximately eight kilometres and assisted them in overcoming engineering structures.
To avoid detection, the participants operated at night, using radio stations, codes and code names for clients.
The cost of the services ranged from €5,000 to €15,000, and in some cases was around €10,000 per person. In total, according to the investigation, the participants in the scheme received over €200,000.
Law enforcement officers documented at least four instances of the scheme’s operation and identified over 20 individuals whom they attempted to smuggle across the border. Some of them were detained, whilst a further six were discovered during searches at the so-called hub.
As part of the special operation, members of the group were detained, including one of the co-organisers during a handover of funds. In total, several suspects were detained.
During around 40 authorised searches, cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, balaclavas, torches, binoculars, radio stations, thermal imaging devices, night vision equipment and other material evidence were seized.
All participants have been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. They face between 7 and 9 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property and deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a period of up to three years. The preventive measure involves detention.
The operation was carried out by police officers with the support of the KORD special unit, the special-purpose police, patrol police units and servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine. The Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the proceedings.
