Police officers, in cooperation with border guards, have uncovered two residents of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district who facilitated the illegal crossing of the Ukrainian state border by conscripts. The perpetrators, one of whom is a minor, charged 7,000 dollars to help a 'client' reach Moldova outside of checkpoints. They now face criminal charges that could lead to imprisonment and asset confiscation.

The police reported that two young men, 18 and 17 years old, from the Petropavlivska community, conspired with an unknown individual to smuggle a conscripted man into Moldova, whom they found through an ad in a messaging app offering paid 'services' for border crossing. The 18-year-old met the 'client' in one of the settlements in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, where the latter arrived by bus, received the first part of the money, amounting to 4,000 dollars, and sent him to another location via bus to the minor accomplice. The 17-year-old received the second part of the payment, totaling 3,000 dollars, and provided accommodation until nightfall. At night, the minor was supposed to guide the man to the state 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 that confirm their involvement in the crime, including cash obtained illegally. Based on the collected evidence, investigators charged the young men with facilitating the illegal transportation of individuals across the state border of Ukraine by providing instructions, means, and removing obstacles, in collusion with a group of individuals for mercenary motives. According to Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the offenders face imprisonment for up to nine years, along with a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years and asset confiscation. Currently, the court has imposed preventive measures: the older one is to be held in custody, while the younger one is under house arrest,' the statement said.

The full circle of individuals involved in this crime is currently being established. The investigation is ongoing.