Arrest of Individuals Involved in Illegal Border Crossing
Law enforcement agencies, in conjunction with the border service, have arrested two young men from the Belgorod-Dnestrovsky area for assisting in the illegal crossing of Ukraine's state border. The offenders, one of whom is a minor, received $7,000 for helping a 'client' cross into Moldova outside of border checkpoints. They now face criminal charges that could result in imprisonment and asset confiscation.
Reports indicate that an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old from the Petro-Pavlivka community conspired with an unknown individual to smuggle a conscripted man, whom they found via an advertisement in a messenger service offering 'paid services' for border crossing. The 18-year-old met the 'client' at a location in Belgorod-Dnestrovsky, received the first portion of the payment amounting to $4,000, and sent him to another location to meet the minor accomplice. The 17-year-old received a second payment of $3,000 and provided accommodation until nightfall. At night, the minor was supposed to guide the man across the border, bypassing checkpoints. However, as soon as the offenders received the money, law enforcement apprehended them.
"Investigators seized several pieces of evidence from the suspects, confirming their involvement in the crime, including money obtained unlawfully. Based on the collected evidence, investigators charged the young men with assisting in the illegal smuggling of individuals across Ukraine's state border by providing instructions, means, and removing obstacles, in conspiracy for selfish motives. According to Art. 332, part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the offenders face up to nine years in prison along with asset confiscation. Currently, the court has chosen preventive measures: the older one is held in custody, while the younger one is under round-the-clock house arrest," the statement reads.
Efforts are ongoing to identify all individuals involved in this crime. The investigation continues.
