Odesa region exposes scheme of conscripts' escape to Transnistria

Police exposed two residents of Odesa who are suspected of helping men of military age to illegally leave Ukraine. The defendants have already been notified of suspicion and face long-term imprisonment.

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

According to the investigation, two 20-year-old Odesa residents agreed to help two people liable for military service leave the country outside official checkpoints. The clients for them were found by an as yet unidentified person who coordinated the actions of both the "guides" and the men themselves.

The suspects took the conscripts by train from Odesa to Podilskyi district, after which they drove them in the direction of unrecognized Transnistria. According to the plan, the men were supposed to cross the border on their own along a predetermined route.

However, the attempt was thwarted by the State Border Guard Service, who called the police investigative team. The law enforcement officers documented the offense and detained both suspects.

After collecting evidence, they were served a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - facilitating the illegal transportation of several persons across the state border by prior conspiracy. This article provides for up to seven years in prison with possible restriction of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.

The court imposed on the suspects a pre-trial restraint: one was held in custody with the possibility of bail, the other was placed under round-the-clock house arrest.

Law enforcement officers are currently identifying other persons who may have been involved in organizing the scheme. Border guards drew up administrative reports against the men for attempting to illegally cross the state border of Ukraine.

Also, border guards of the Izmail detachment detained a man who tried to illegally cross the state border of Ukraine across the Danube River. The 31-year-old resident of one of the border villages planned to swim to the Romanian coast. To do this, he prepared in advance by purchasing a wetsuit and a water scooter to help him cross the river faster.

Анна Бальчінос