Participant of illegal migration scheme sent to pre-trial detention center in Odesa: details of the case

In Odesa, one of the participants in an illegal migration scheme involving fake marriages was placed under arrest. The police suspect that not only a group of intermediaries, but also an official from the Civil Registry Office is behind the scam.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Kyiv District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, on May 12, 2025, the police received information from the Migration Police Department of the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa Oblast about the possible activities of a criminal group. According to law enforcement, its members organized fake marriages between foreigners and Ukrainian citizens. The marriages were concluded solely to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit.

The investigation found that the participants in the scheme were looking for foreigners who wanted to legalize their stay in Ukraine and recruited Ukrainian citizens who were willing to agree to a fictitious marriage for money. According to law enforcement, an unidentified employee of the Prymorskyi Department of the Odesa Civil Registry Office played a separate role, facilitating the rapid processing of the necessary documents in exchange for a bribe.

The scheme was that after concluding a fictitious marriage, the foreigner received a temporary residence permit, which gave him the right to legally stay in Ukraine and cross the border without hindrance.

In particular, the investigation describes an episode that took place in July 2025. One of the participants in the scheme found a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan who agreed to enter into a fictitious marriage to obtain a residence permit. The other suspect found a Ukrainian citizen for him, who also agreed to such a marriage for money.

On July 24, 2025, the couple submitted documents to the Prymorskyi Department of State Registration of Civil Status Acts in Odesa. After that, they registered their marriage, made a record of it and issued a certificate. On the basis of this document, the Azerbaijani citizen subsequently received a temporary residence permit issued by the Main Department of the State Migration Service of Ukraine in Odesa Oblast.

According to the investigation, there were several such cases. The cost of such a marriage agreement ranged from 2 to 4 thousand dollars.

The court remanded the suspect in custody until April 1, 2026. At the same time, it determined the possibility of posting bail in the amount of UAH 665,600. If she pays this amount, she will be released from custody and imposed with court-ordered duties.

Intent wrote that as part of the investigation, police conducted more than 30 searches at the suspects' residences, in their cars, and in the administrative offices of government agencies. During the investigative actions, law enforcement officers seized funds, documentation, including residence permits for foreigners, cell phones, and other material evidence.

Анна Бальчінос