The counter-intelligence unit of the Security Service of Ukraine neutralized three international criminal groups that were involved in the illegal transportation of Ukrainians abroad. The information about the following has been shared by the Security Service of Ukraine via their official social media handle.
The formations included 11 people, including four foreigners. Currently, 10 criminals have been detained, one more – a citizen of a European country – is hiding outside of Ukraine.
During the special operation, one of the suspects attacked an SBU officer with a knife, trying to escape from the law enforcement officers. However, counterintelligence agents of the Ukrainian special service disarmed and detained him.
As established by the Security Service, each of the groups offered separate “escape options.” One of them is the production of fictitious documents for traveling abroad. In particular, the dealers offered fake letters for the foreign business trips of drivers.
In order to implement this “option”, the attackers “allocated” cars to their clients, which were allegedly intended for the transportation of humanitarian goods.
According to the second “scenario”, the workers drove the evaders to the border strip, and then took them to the neighboring country through forest paths prepared in advance.
The cost of such “services” was from USD 3.5 thousand. The amount could increase and depended on the urgency of the “escape” and the time for its “preparation”.
On the basis of the collected evidence, all detainees were notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine).
In addition, the issue of additional qualification of the illegal actions of the foreigner who resisted the law enforcement officers is being resolved.
Also, at the request of the SBU, 7 vehicles used by the accused in criminal activities were seized and handed over to the Defense Forces.
Special operations were carried out by SBU employees together with the National Police and the State Border Service under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor’s office.