Photo: National Police of Ukraine
In 19 regions of Ukraine, police have uncovered large-scale schemes to smuggle men of military age abroad. According to the National Police, the organisers included private entrepreneurs, messenger administrators and cells for the production of forged documents.
How the attackers acted
The main activity was based on two directions:
- Falsification of documents. Private entrepreneurs provided false data to enter information into the Shlyakh system, which is used for travelling abroad. They also produced fake medical certificates of unfitness for military service.
- Bypassing border checkpoints. The organisers provided illegal border crossing bypassing official checkpoints.
Among the suspects are messenger administrators who received “orders” from clients and directed them to the right intermediaries.
Results of the searches
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized the items:
- forged medical documents of persons of military age;
- computer equipment, mobile phones, and draft records;
- significant amounts of cash, including in foreign currency.
Criminal responsibility
The defendants were served a notice of suspicion under Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Illegal transfer of persons across the state border of Ukraine). The criminals face up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property and deprivation of the right to hold certain positions.
The police are continuing their investigation to identify other people involved in the organisation of the illegal schemes.
