Schemes for illegal border crossings exposed in Odesa, Vinnytsia and Lviv regions

In Odesa, Vinnytsia and Lviv regions, law enforcement officers documented several schemes for the illegal transportation of men across the state border. Organisers offered various options for leaving the country: boat crossings to Moldova, movement through forested areas, or concealed transport to bypass checkpoints. The services were priced between $5,000 and $16,000 per person.

Ten men found in a truck in Odesa region

One such case was detected in Odesa region. During the inspection of a cargo vehicle, police found ten men in the cargo compartment. They were hiding behind pallets of dairy products. According to police, this method was part of an illegal border-crossing scheme: organisers attempted to disguise the passengers among the goods to avoid detection during inspections.

Clergyman promised to take client to Slovakia

A clergyman was among the suspects in the case. According to the investigation, he offered to organise the illegal departure of a man to Slovakia for $15,000. The suspect not only agreed to the crossing but also personally prepared for the trip: he lodged the man in a rented apartment where he was to stay until the planned departure. After briefing him on further actions, the clergyman personally drove him towards the state border. Law enforcement officers documented these circumstances as part of the investigation.

Boats to Moldova and routes through forests

In Vinnytsia region, a scheme was exposed under which organisers planned to illegally transport men across the border with Moldova by boat. The crossings were to be carried out in groups of six to eight people, crossing the state border outside official checkpoints.

In Lviv region, the suspects offered routes through forested areas. Organisers calculated that using such paths would allow them to bypass border control.

Among the participants in the exposed schemes was a serviceman who had deserted his military unit. His specific role in the illegal transportation of men is not specified in the provided statement.

Seven detained individuals informed of suspicion

As a result of the measures taken, law enforcement officers detained seven individuals who, according to the investigation, were involved in organising illegal border crossings. All seven were informed of suspicion.

The National Police notes that the identified schemes involved various methods of illegally transporting men – from concealed carriage in cargo vehicles to the use of boats and forest routes. Information on the specific articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine under which the actions of each suspect were classified is not provided in the statement.