Fake documents for sailors were issued in Odesa region

In Odesa region, two women were exposed who made fake maritime documents and arranged for clients to join crews of ships sailing to foreign ports. This scheme allowed men of conscription age to travel freely outside Ukraine.

This was reported by the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

According to the investigation, one of the suspects used to work for a crewing company that employs sailors. Using her knowledge and connections, she developed a scheme to produce forged documents that allowed her to travel abroad allegedly to work in the maritime industry.

Photo: Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office

She involved an acquaintance in the scheme, who searched for clients and communicated with them. The women offered a "service package" for $7000, which included

• a fake seafarer's license,
• fake qualification certificates,
• fake certificates of training at training centers.

After obtaining these documents, the men were employed as crew members of river-sea vessels engaged in international voyages. Thus, they could leave the territory of Ukraine without hindrance.

Law enforcement officers searched the suspects' offices and residences, seizing: computer equipment containing customer information, forged documents and draft records, as well as cash obtained from illegal activities.

The women were notified of suspicion under two articles: illegal transportation of persons across the state border and forgery of documents. The sanction of these articles provides for up to 9 years in prison.

Recently, law enforcement officers stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer heading towards Moldova near one of the settlements of the Kodymska community in Odesa region, with four residents of Kyiv and Poltava inside.

Law enforcement also detained a 36-year-old resident of the Safianivka community of Izmail district in Odesa region on suspicion of organizing the illegal transportation of Ukrainians liable for military service abroad.

Meanwhile, the police announced the results of large-scale searches in 19 regions for illegal border crossings.

Ірина Глухова