Case of two men transporting men abroad sent to court in Odesa

Investigators have sent to court the case of two men who were detained for organizing the illegal transportation of men abroad.

This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Ukraine in Odesa region.

According to the investigation, a 37-year-old resident of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district and his 40-year-old accomplice from Chornomorsk were exposed in the summer by officers of the Strategic Investigations Department in Odesa region and border guards.

They were supposed to provide an Odesa resident with an illegal exit from Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova in a truck with firewood. They asked for $10,500 from the passenger, most of which had to be paid before crossing the border, and the rest afterward.

Law enforcement officers prevented the accomplices from completing their plans. The older man was detained by police after he received most of the money, and his accomplice was detained when he was transporting a client to a neighboring country in a truck. Two more men were found in the truck, who, using the services of the criminals, also intended to illegally cross the state border. Border guards drew up protocols against the passengers, who were liable for military service, for attempting to illegally cross the border.

Investigators seized mobile phones, money and a car from the organizers of the deal, which were seized by the court. In addition, during a search at the residence of a 40-year-old resident of Chornomorsk, law enforcement officers seized a number of psychotropic substances and narcotic drugs, which were sent for examination. The results of the expert study showed amphetamine (13.4 g), 4-MMS (38.1 g), PVP (0.0015 g), cannabis (138.1 g), cannabis extract (0.2 g) and cocaine (3.3 g), which he had purchased and stored at home for further sale.

According to investigator Mykyta Zvyagintsev, the men are currently accused of organizing the illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine. If their guilt is proven, the transporters face up to nine years in prison with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years and confiscation of property. One of them is in custody, while the other has been released on bail.

Investigators also charged the older man with illegal acquisition, storage with intent to sell narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in large amounts. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for up to twelve years with confiscation of property. Investigators have separated the materials on the drug crime into a separate criminal proceeding, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

Кирило Бойко