SSU apprehended Odessa agency director smuggling draft dodgers to EU

The Security Service, in collaboration with the National Police, has dismantled another illegal emigration channel for conscripts in Odessa. The head of a local company engaged in foreign employment organized the operation. Under the guise of civilian personnel recruitment, he sought potential conscripts, offering them assistance for illegal transportation to the European Union for a fee.

To facilitate illegal border crossings, the suspect sold fake disability certificates and facilitated removal from military records. Additionally, he concealed draft evaders in the cabins of international freight trucks, involving an acquaintance who managed a local transport company in the scheme.

The cost of such 'services' ranged up to $8,000, depending on the method and urgency of escaping across the border.

Law enforcement documented the criminal actions of the individuals involved and arrested the organizer of the operation while he was receiving money for the illegal transportation of a conscript across the border. His accomplice, the director of the transport company, was also apprehended.

Currently, both detainees are informed of the suspicion under Article 332, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine committed by an organized group). The criminals are in custody and face up to 9 years in prison with property confiscation.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and hold those responsible accountable. Information about the possible involvement of other officials in the 'scheme' is being verified.

Comprehensive measures to block the illegal migration channel were carried out under the procedural guidance of the Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office.