In the Odesa region, law enforcement authorities apprehended a man from the Rozdilna district who was involved in organizing the illegal smuggling of conscript-age men from Ukraine abroad. The suspect has already been charged and a preventive measure has been chosen. He faces imprisonment along with asset confiscation.

A few days ago, border guards from the Podilsk detachment stopped a «Geely» car in the border zone, in which, besides the driver, two conscript-age men were found, prompting a call to the police.

Investigators learned that a 33-year-old resident of the Rozdilna district, in conspiracy with an unidentified individual, was smuggling two residents from Vinnytsia to the unrecognized Transnistria for a monetary reward. According to the criminal scheme, the driver was supposed to take the passengers to the border, where they were to illegally cross it on foot.

Regarding the conscripted men attempting to illegally cross the state border of Ukraine, border guards drafted protocols under part 2 of Article 204-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. The violators face fines or administrative arrest.

The police apprehended the organizer of the scheme and seized the vehicle, communication devices, and cash as evidence.

«With sufficient evidence, investigators informed the suspect of the charge of organizing the illegal smuggling of individuals across the state border of Ukraine, in conspiracy with a group of individuals, committed for mercenary motives. According to the sanction of part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, this crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to nine years with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and asset confiscation. The court chose a preventive measure of detention with the possibility of bail for the suspect. The investigation is ongoing to establish the full circle of individuals involved in this crime,» said Oleg Zhukovsky, head of the Podilsk district police department.

The investigation continues under the procedural guidance of the Podilsk District Prosecutor's Office.