Organizers of a scheme to smuggle men abroad will be tried in Bukovina: they earned over 200 thousand euros

In Chernivtsi region, an indictment was filed against five members of an organized group accused of illegally smuggling men liable for military service to Romania. According to the investigation, the organizers received more than 200 thousand euros, using special equipment and pre-prepared routes for illegal border crossing.

This was reported by the Prosecutor General’s Office and the police of Chernivtsi region.

How the scheme worked

According to the investigation, the organizer of the illegal business was a 43-year-old resident of the border district of Chernivtsi region. He involved six more people in the illegal activity who were well-versed in the mountainous and forested areas near the state border.

The men who planned to illegally enter Romania were first taken to specially equipped points near the border. There they waited for favorable conditions for the crossing.

The crossing was organized mainly at night. Groups were formed of five to seven people, and routes were laid to bypass border patrols.

The cost of illegal border crossing was from 5 to 15 thousand euros per person.

Thermal imagers and drone detectors were used

To avoid detection, the group members used modern technical means, including thermal imagers, night vision devices, binoculars, camera traps and drone detectors.

During the crossing, the organizers maintained communication via walkie-talkies, using fictitious names and call signs.

According to law enforcement, such a system allowed them to control the routes of movement and reduce the risk of detection by border guards.

More than 20 men crossed the border illegally

During the investigation, law enforcement documented at least four cases of illegal crossing across the state border. More than 20 men used the services of the organizers.

During searches at one of the temporary accommodation points, law enforcement officers discovered six more people who were preparing for illegal crossing.

The total amount of money received by the participants in the scheme, according to the investigation, exceeded 200 thousand euros.

What punishment does the accused face

Currently, the indictment against five members of the group has been sent to court. The materials regarding two more defendants have been separated into a separate criminal case.

Their actions have been qualified under Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal smuggling of persons across the state border.

The accused face up to nine years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

At the same time, in accordance with the principle of presumption of innocence, all defendants are considered innocent until their guilt is proven in court and established by a final conviction.