In the Odessa region, operatives from the State Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine and the State Border Guard Service, have disrupted yet another channel for smuggling conscripts across the Ukrainian border into the unrecognized Transnistria.
The illegal «corridor» for draft dodgers was established by a border guard in August 2025. In one instance, the suspect offered a conscription-age male «assistance» to leave Ukraine for $4,500. He planned to transport the «client» to the territory of unrecognized Transnistria outside of official border crossing points and patrol areas.
During their meeting, the suspect provided the man with detailed instructions on the route and necessary means for a successful «journey». On the appointed day, the serviceman displayed on his mobile phone screen via a special app the sections where illegal crossing could be made.
On the same day, after receiving the agreed amount, law enforcement apprehended the perpetrator.
He is currently facing charges for the illegal transportation of individuals across the state border (part 3 of article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The matter of selecting a preventive measure and his suspension from duty is being decided.
The sanctions of the article provide for a penalty of up to 9 years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to establish other possible instances of illegal activity and the full circle of involved individuals.
The procedural supervision is conducted by the Odessa Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense of the Southern region.