In a large-scale operation, law enforcement officials uncovered a scheme of illegal smuggling of military personnel abroad for simple compensation — $15,000
A major special operation conducted by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies over several months and covering six regions of the country led to the detention of an organized criminal group engaged in illegal transportation of military personnel from Ukrainian military units to neighboring countries — Romania and Moldova. According to sources in the Office of the Prosecutor General and the National Police, this scheme was one of the largest criminal businesses in this field in recent times, having already facilitated at least 25 illegal escapes from military formations. Based on operational information, the special operation, involving over 300 law enforcement officers, included more than 48 searches across various regions of Ukraine, including Chernivtsi, Lviv, Ternopil, and others. As a result of investigative actions, a significant amount of valuables was confiscated: over 160,000 hryvnias, more than 21,000 USD, 2,000 euros, as well as 12 vehicles, several weapons, and communication devices used by the criminals to coordinate their activities. The organizers of the scheme — elderly men aged 55 and 65 from Chernivtsi region — operated in partnership with a lawyer from Lviv, responsible for recruiting conscripted soldiers, finding "clients," and persuading them to escape. It is important to note that during the investigation, they were found to actively incite servicemen to desert by monetary incentives. The criminal network worked at very profitable rates: the initial fee — from $3,000 to $6,000 — covered organizing escapes from military facilities and moving to border regions, while more complex transport operations across the state border demanded up to $15,000. They also promised clients full cover-up, political and legal support in discharge from service, claiming to have "connections" within military command, which supposedly guaranteed a safe crossing. Investigators also established that the group actively involved five more accomplices, who assisted in escorting "clients" to borders, circumventing official checkpoints. This allowed the criminals to avoid formal procedures and cross the border unofficially — via so-called "grey" crossings, eliminating the risk of detention or detection. Law enforcement already filed criminal cases under Article 332 ("illegal transfer of persons across the state border of Ukraine") and Article 114 ("obstruction of lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine"). Following the searches, all detainees have been notified of suspicion. The main suspects face up to nine years in prison with property confiscation. Currently, investigators are studying additional circumstances of the criminal activity and intend to establish possible involvement of other persons in organizing the scheme, as data indicates a broad network coverage and a large-scale operation. The external operational work by law enforcement agencies, according to the National Police press service, demonstrated a high level of professionalism and coordination. Confiscated property, including expensive vehicles and weapons, has been handed over for safekeeping, and data from private phones and rough notes found during searches could serve as crucial evidence in the case. Recall that Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have previously fought similar crimes; however, this operation is the largest in terms of the number of detainees and confiscated property. Investigations with the suspects have been ongoing for several months, and experts are currently working to establish all details and connections to prevent such schemes in the future.