A scheme for illegally transporting children abroad was uncovered in the Odesa region
In the Odesa region, law enforcement officers stopped the activities of a criminal group that illegally transported children abroad under the guise of health trips. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Two residents of the Odessa region, aged 39 and 47, who coordinated the transportation, and a 49-year-old founder of a charitable organisation operating from abroad, came under suspicion. According to the investigation, the participants in the scheme produced forged documents, facilitated the adoption of illegal decisions by child welfare authorities, and organised the transport of children across the border. Payment was received through international payment services.
Thirteen men and two women were involved in the transportation. The scheme was implemented through so-called ‘hosting’ trips abroad, ostensibly for health reasons, which in fact became a stage in the selection of potential adoptive parents. Despite the ban on international adoption during martial law, the activity continued until at least 2025.
According to the investigation, the perpetrators attempted to illegally transport at least 25 children, 13 of whom were already abroad. Thanks to international cooperation, further transportation was stopped.
The suspects are charged with human trafficking, illegal border crossing and document forgery. Two women have been taken into custody, and law enforcement agencies are investigating the possible involvement of officials from child services and institutional care facilities.
