In the Chernivtsi region, the Security Service and the National Police neutralized a criminal group that created a channel for the illegal departure of men of military age from Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of the SBU.
For money, the draft dodgers were transferred to a neighboring European country through previously prepared forest paths.
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As investigators found, the gang members received more than $100 thousand in profit per month.
The attackers guaranteed the reliability of routes bypassing checkpoints.
In addition, the organizer of the group promised his clients protection from justice if they were detained while illegally crossing the state border.
“SBU officers documented the criminal actions of the gang and detained its organizer along with four of his accomplices,” investigators said.
According to the investigation, the group was created by a 44-year-old resident of Bukovina. He involved his acquaintances in illegal activities, among whom were people with a criminal past.
For example, one of the gang members had previously repeatedly served a sentence for committing serious crimes.
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The cost of services was estimated from $3 to $5 thousand, depending on the urgency of the departure.
This amount included consulting clients regarding behavior during a hidden border crossing and accompanying them to a neighboring country.
During more than 20 searches at the residence addresses and in the cars of the detainees, the following was seized:
- mobile phones, SIM cards and rough records with evidence of illegal activities;
- large amounts of cash, likely obtained by criminal means.
Now all detainees have been informed of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code (illegal transfer of persons across the state border of Ukraine, committed by an organized group).
The perpetrators face up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property.
