Polish Authorities Disrupt Illegal Ukrainian Transport via Locomotives at the Border
Polish law enforcement agencies have successfully busted a major scheme involved in the illegal transportation of Ukrainian citizens into Poland.
Joint efforts by border guards from Medyka and regional police authorities uncovered an organized criminal network that specialized in clandestine transport of men across the border into the European Union.
According to reports from sources including ‘European Truth’ and RMF24, it was discovered that Ukrainian train engineers were hiding individuals inside locomotives traveling towards Permysl.In 2024, border officials in Medyka identified and detained two Ukrainian train engineers suspected of participating in the criminal group.
They were arrested and charged with involvement in organized crime and illegal border crossing.
Marta Pentkowska, spokeswoman of the district prosecutor’s office in Permysl, stated that those involved face up to 8 years in prison.
The suspects deny the charges, and prosecutors are preparing formal indictments for court proceedings.Investigation findings reveal that each person illegally smuggled across the border earned the organizers at least $10,000.
The case is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.
Additionally, two more Ukrainian nationals have been detained in Poland for entering the EU through this smuggling channel.The detained Ukrainians admitted to their involvement and stated their actions were motivated by a desire to avoid military conscription.
The case illustrates the growing efforts of law enforcement to combat cross-border smuggling activities in the region.
Previously, in July, Polish police apprehended four Ukrainians suspected of kidnapping migrants for ransom in Poland and Latvia.
In August, authorities detained two 17-year-olds accused of painting red-and-black flags and leaving nationalist slogans linked to the Volyn tragedy at various memorial sites and buildings.