A scheme involving the illegal smuggling of people across the border has been uncovered in the Kharkiv region
Operatives from the Kharkiv Border Guard Detachment, in collaboration with the Cybercrime Division of the Main Directorate of the National Police, have uncovered and dismantled a network involved in the illegal smuggling of people across the state border.
During operational search and investigative activities, two suspects – the organiser and his accomplice – were arrested whilst receiving 20,000 dollars. In exchange for this money, they promised to smuggle people across the border outside of official crossing points.
According to the investigation, the suspects sought clients via messaging apps, instructed them on how to cross the border and transported them in their own vehicles, enlisting the help of others.
Law enforcement officers carried out eight searches at the suspects’ places of residence and in their vehicles. As a result, cars, mobile phones, cash and other material evidence were seized.
The suspects have been notified of the charges against them. The court has ordered preventive measures in the form of detention, with the right to post bail set at 3.3 million UAH and 1.7 million UAH respectively.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Investigators are establishing all the circumstances of the case and identifying any possible accomplices.
