SBGS official together with Russian brother organised scheme of illegal travel abroad for over $1 million
Law enforcement officers exposed an official of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and his brother, a Russian citizen, for creating a channel for smuggling men of military age out of the country. According to the investigation, the scheme participants earned more than 1 million USD, charging each client about 20 thousand dollars.
How the scheme worked
According to the State Bureau of Investigation, the organisers issued fictitious documents about an alleged business trip abroad on behalf of an international organisation. On the basis of these documents, men of military age were able to cross the state border without hindrance.
In this way, the criminals managed to smuggle almost 80 people. Investigators are establishing the full range of those involved and possible intermediaries.
Law enforcement response
The State Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the SBGS lieutenant colonel. He and the other defendants may be charged with crimes related to the illegal transfer of persons across the state border and abuse of office.
If found guilty, the suspects face long-term imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Context.
Since the introduction of martial law, law enforcement agencies have regularly uncovered schemes for men of military age to travel abroad illegally. Most often, they involve forged medical documents, fake disability certificates or pseudo-business trips.
The state is strengthening border control and liability for such offences, emphasising the priority of mobilisation measures in times of war.
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