The suspect offered a “full package” of services—ranging from detailed instructions to escorting individuals across the border using “green light” to bypass checkpoints. The suspect was caught red-handed while handing over currency.
Law enforcement officers in Zakarpattia Oblast dismantled yet another scheme involving the illegal crossing of Ukraine’s state border by individuals subject to military service. A 34-year-old resident of Rakhiv is suspected of organizing this illegal operation.
The communications department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Zakarpattia Oblast reported on the special operation to expose the organizer of the trafficking ring.
The “green corridor” scheme and currency pricing
Investigators and police operatives established the suspect’s modus operandi:
- Finding clients: The suspect sought out men of conscription age through his personal network of acquaintances and trusted contacts;
- Route logistics: The organizer personally mapped out walking routes through the forested and mountainous terrain of the Rakhiv district, bypassing official checkpoints and border patrols;
- Instruction and navigation: Clients were provided with detailed instructions on security protocols, how to behave in the border zone, and how to navigate the terrain to reach neighboring Romania;
- Service price: The broker estimated the cost of the illegal cross-border journey at $5,000 per person.
Caught in the Act and Legal Charges
Special forces and investigators apprehended the suspect in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine immediately as he was receiving the full amount of illicit payment from yet another “client” prior to the start of the raid toward the state border.
The physical evidence and seized cash have been sent for the appropriate forensic analysis. Currently, the 34-year-old resident of Rakhiv has been placed in a temporary detention facility (TTF).
Investigators have charged the detainee under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine, committed in relation to several persons or for financial gain).
The penalty under the charged article provides for imprisonment for a term of seven to nine years, along with disqualification from holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for up to three years, and confiscation of property.
Investigative actions and the pretrial investigation are ongoing, and law enforcement officials are identifying possible accomplices of the detainee.
Source: Main Directorate of the National Police in Zakarpattia Oblast.
