A scheme involving the illegal transportation of men through Transnistria for $7,500 was uncovered in Odessa.
Operatives of the Odessa Border Guard Detachment shut down a channel for illegally smuggling men across the Transnistrian segment of the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. According to law enforcement officials, the scheme was organised by two men who sought out clients among their acquaintances and friends.
The cost of illegal departure started at $7,500 per person. The money was received in three stages. The first payment served as confirmation of intent, and the rest of the funds were transferred by clients during preparation for crossing the border and immediately before the scheme was carried out.
The route started in Odesa and ran to the border areas on the border with Moldova. After receiving the last part of the money, one of the suspects was caught red-handed. The other was detained by law enforcement officers at his place of residence.
Both men were notified of the charges against them. During the searches, material evidence relevant to the criminal proceedings was seized. The investigation is ongoing.
