Men smuggled to EU through gas pipe in Zakarpattia region

Zakarpattia region: men trafficked to EU through faulty gas pipe - SBU

Employees Security Service of Ukraine exposed a channel of illegal trafficking of men of military age abroad. According to the SBU, the offenders used a faulty gas pipe, which took place near the border with the EU.

How the scheme worked

The organiser of the deal was 62-year-old resident of the region. He was looking for potential «clients» via TikTok, The man suggested a route through the an abandoned section of a gas pipeline, to avoid border controls.

Law enforcement response

SBU detained the offenders during the preparation of another illegal border crossing. Investigative actions are ongoing, the circle of people involved in the scheme and the number of people who have already been transferred are being established.

The organisers are threatened with criminal liability for illegal trafficking of persons across the state border of Ukraine.