The State Bureau of Investigations, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and the internal security of the border service, has uncovered the head of a group from one of the units in Transcarpathia who organized the illegal smuggling of conscript-aged men across the border into Romania. For his services, the offender received payment in cryptocurrency, using virtual wallets for secrecy and to avoid banking oversight.
This is reported by Finway
Smuggling Scheme and Payment Methods
Investigators established that the serviceman used official information to offer a familiar person an illegal exit to Europe. The cost of the route was 2,000 US dollars. All arrangements were made via the Telegram messenger, with messages automatically disappearing, and payment was required exclusively in cryptocurrency. After receiving the funds, the offender transferred them to another wallet through a well-known cryptocurrency exchange service, which allowed him to conceal the transaction traces. Following this, the client received a file with detailed instructions, routes, coordinates, and advice on avoiding border control.
He also warned that “the walking route could take from five to six days” and advised against crossing the border alone.
Legal Qualification and Further Actions of the Investigation
The law enforcement officer is suspected of committing crimes under part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (organization of illegal smuggling of persons across the state border by an official for selfish motives) and part 1 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (receiving unlawful benefits). The penalties for these articles include imprisonment for up to nine years. The investigation has already submitted a motion for the suspect to be taken into custody, and efforts are ongoing to identify other possible participants in the criminal scheme. The procedural leadership is conducted by the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the Defense Sector of the Western Region.
It is worth noting that in March 2024, police in Odesa also uncovered a channel for smuggling military conscripts to Moldova, where payment was made in cryptocurrency. The cost of services was 5,300 dollars per person, and a group of eight individuals was detained 500 meters from the border.