A member of the regional council organized a large-scale scheme of illegal human smuggling abroad — SAP
In the complex task of uncovering corruption schemes that threaten national security and violate Ukrainian laws, a new figure has appeared — a deputy of a regional council from one of the western regions of the country. According to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), he was involved in organizing an illegal scheme to facilitate the departure of men of conscription age across the border by using official contacts among border guards to ensure unobstructed crossing. As investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) established, the deputy offered one of the men planning to cross the border to “resolve” the issue of crossing for those liable for military service outside official checkpoints. The scheme involved engaging an intermediary who ostensibly had direct influence over the border patrol service and could guarantee smooth passage across the state border. The cost of this illegal service was estimated at €10,000 per person. Additionally, the criminals promised to organize logistics — moving people from Kyiv to an agreed-upon location, as well as ensuring their safe entry and exit from Ukraine, bypassing official checkpoints. Preliminary data indicate that NABU detectives and SAP prosecutors uncovered the deputy immediately after receiving the first installment of the illegal payment — €20,000. The deputy’s accomplice has been detained, and a suspicion notification for committing crimes is being prepared against him. During the investigation, additional participants of the criminal scheme and its scale are being identified. On May 26, the prosecutor officially notified the lawmaker of suspicion of committing crimes under Articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code — illegal border crossing and abuse of influence. This marks another step in the ongoing efforts of state authorities to combat corruption leaks within high circles of power and among civil servants, who attempt to abuse their authority for personal enrichment or to organize illegal operations that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are actively searching for other accomplices involved in this criminal scheme. All circumstances of the case must be brought to justice to prevent the further spread of corruption schemes and to safeguard national interests. European values and legality must remain inviolable: any attempt to circumvent border regulations, abuse official position for illegal enrichment, or conduct illegal human transfers can have serious consequences for those involved. The authorities promise to continue strengthening the fight against corruption, restoring public trust in Ukraine, and reinforcing the rule of law.