Police officers, in collaboration with border guards, uncovered two residents of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district involved in facilitating illegal border crossings for conscripted individuals. The offenders, including a minor, charged 7,000 dollars to aid a 'client' in reaching Moldova outside official checkpoints. They now face criminal liability, which may include imprisonment and asset confiscation.
According to police reports, two youths aged 18 and 17 from the Petropavlivska territorial community conspired with an unknown individual to smuggle a conscripted man into Moldova, whom they found through a community in a messaging app where paid 'services' for border crossing were advertised. The 18-year-old met the 'client' in a locality within the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, where the latter arrived by bus, received the first part of the payment amounting to 4,000 dollars, and sent him by bus to another locality to meet the minor accomplice. The 17-year-old then received a second payment of 3,000 dollars from the man and provided him with accommodation until nightfall. At night, the minor was supposed to lead the man to the state border, avoiding checkpoints. However, as soon as the offenders received the money, law enforcement apprehended them.
"Investigators seized several pieces of evidence from the suspects that confirm their involvement in the crime, including money obtained through illegal means. Based on the collected evidence, investigators informed the youths of their suspicion of aiding in the illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine by providing instructions, means, and eliminating obstacles, in conspiracy with a group of individuals for mercenary motives. Under the sanctions of Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the offenders face up to nine years of imprisonment along with the prohibition of holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years, as well as asset confiscation. Currently, the court has chosen preventive measures for the suspects: the older one is in custody, while the younger one is under round-the-clock house arrest," the statement said.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of individuals involved in this crime. The inquiry continues.
