A scheme to illegally regularise the status of foreign nationals, including Russians, has been uncovered in Kyiv
Operatives from the Kyiv Migration Police Department, together with investigators from the Kyiv City Police Headquarters and under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office, have uncovered two individuals suspected of organising an illegal scheme to legalise the status of foreign nationals.
According to the investigation, a 45-year-old Kyiv resident organised a scheme in which he sought out foreigners interested in entering Ukraine. In return for a fee, they were provided with so-called legal support. The foreigners were registered with fictitious companies, which enabled them to obtain visas. The cost of such services ranged from $2,000 to $6,000.
Subsequently, a 36-year-old accomplice, who is a lawyer’s assistant, used his connections within the State Migration Service to facilitate the issuance of temporary residence permits. To this end, false information was entered into state registers.
Investigators documented the legalisation of three foreigners, including two Russian citizens. They were registered as volunteers at the invitation of a fictitious charitable foundation, as well as as directors of a newly established company. In total, according to law enforcement officials, over 100 foreigners took advantage of the scheme.
Police carried out more than ten searches at the suspects’ places of residence and work. During the investigations, they seized over $56,000, approximately 280,000 hryvnias, over 5,000 euros and 4,000 zlotys, as well as equipment, data storage devices, documentation, company seals and a car belonging to one of the suspects.
The organiser was arrested whilst receiving another payment from a client under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, with the support of Special Purpose Police Regiment No. 1.
The suspects have been notified of the charges against them under Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The organiser is also charged under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He remains in custody pending the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are identifying other individuals involved and taking steps to revoke the residence permits and subsequently ban entry into Ukraine for the foreign nationals involved in the proceedings.
