Arrest of Organizer of Illegal Border Crossing

A 22-year-old offender was involved in facilitating the transfer of those wishing to leave the country illegally. He has been formally charged and a preventive measure has been chosen. He faces imprisonment and asset confiscation. This information was provided by the police.  

Law enforcement agencies discovered that a resident of the Velykomykhailivska community was using social media to find men looking to leave the country illegally. He found two 'clients' and offered them a transfer to the Moldovan border for $5,000 each. The service included not only transportation but also recommendations for 'safe' border crossing at night. After meeting with the clients, the offender drove them in his car to a border settlement in the Rozdilna district. 

The offender was apprehended by police near the border after delivering the men to their destination and receiving $10,000 from them. As evidence, investigators seized the money and the vehicle, which has been placed under arrest. Since the law provides for asset confiscation, the court may decide to confiscate the vehicle. 

«Currently, the suspect has been charged with committing a crime under part 3 of article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for organizing illegal transportation of individuals across the state border of Ukraine, committed for selfish motives concerning several individuals. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to nine years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and asset confiscation. The court has chosen a preventive measure of detention with the right to bail», - stated investigator Bondarenko Viktoriya.