Law enforcement in Odesa prevented a man from illegally smuggling two conscripts into Moldova. He demanded $3,000 for his "services." Investigators have already charged the suspect, who faces imprisonment and asset confiscation.
The operation was interrupted by officers from the Izmail Police Department in collaboration with border guards. It was determined that a 66-year-old resident of the Izmail area offered two young acquaintances to guide them to the border and show them a route to Moldova without border guards.
For his services, the "guide" asked for $3,000, to which the young men agreed.
Police documented the suspect meeting the "travelers" in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, where he currently resides, and transported them by car to a nearby border settlement, receiving part of the payment along the way. One passenger paid in full, while the other promised to pay the rest later.
At the border, law enforcement stopped them, preventing the criminal plan from coming to fruition.
Investigators detained the suspect and seized his mobile phone containing important information, as well as the illegally obtained money.
Based on the gathered evidence, investigators charged the suspect with illegal transportation of individuals across the state border of Ukraine, aiding in the removal of obstacles for several individuals for selfish motives. This crime is classified under part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and is punishable by up to nine years of imprisonment with asset confiscation.
The court has chosen a preventive measure of detention with the right to post bail of 242,240 UAH.
During the pre-trial investigation, which is ongoing under the procedural guidance of the Izmail District Prosecutor's Office, police will establish all circumstances of the crime and the full circle of individuals who may be involved.