The suspects are residents of Berezivka and Odesa aged 32, 37, and 44. They have been charged and a preventive measure has been chosen. They face up to nine years of imprisonment along with asset confiscation.

Investigators from the Odesa Regional Police, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service, halted the criminal activities of these individuals.

Law enforcement documented the organization of illegal border crossing for one «client». They valued their «services» at $10,500. The criminals operated under a clear scheme. A 44-year-old resident of Berezivka met with a client in Odesa, where he assured him of the reliability of the scheme and received a $500 advance. The 32-year-old Odesa resident was responsible for logistics and payment control, while his 37-year-old accomplice was to transport the client to the Ukrainian-Moldovan border and indicate a further independent route where border guards would not be present.

The police disrupted the journey halfway through, apprehending the perpetrators after the «client» had fully paid.

Investigators seized the illegally obtained funds, the truck used in the operation, and their mobile phones.

As reported by the investigator in the case, Bohdan Yasynetskyi, after gathering sufficient evidence, the suspects were charged under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for organizing illegal border crossings, aiding in the commission of the crime through advice, instructions, and provision of means, committed by a group of individuals with prior conspiracy and for mercenary motives. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to nine years with disqualification from holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for up to three years and asset confiscation.

The court has imposed a preventive measure of detention with the right to bail set at 605,600 hryvnias.

Investigative actions are ongoing under the procedural guidance of the Odesa Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the defense sector of the Southern region.