SBI investigates 53 cases of smuggling of fugitives in Mykolaiv

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, the State Bureau of Investigation has reviewed more than 570 criminal cases of illegal trafficking of men of military age across the border. Among them are 53 Mykolaiv residents.

This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigation with reference to a comment by SBI Director Oleksiy Sukhachov to Interfax-Ukraine.

<b>171 indictments</b> against <b>251 defendants</b> have already been sent to court. The total amount of illegal benefit reaches tens of millions of hryvnias. The SBI head emphasized that combating these crimes is a priority, as such schemes undermine the country's defense capability. According to him, law enforcement officers, officials and employees of the TCC and JVs are often involved in illegal transactions.

"Making money on the war by helping men evade mobilization or illegally leave the territory of Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable. This is a direct blow to the state and to those who are defending it on the frontline every day. Anyone who organizes or facilitates such transactions must realize that punishment will be inevitable," said SBI Director Oleksii Sukhachov.

An attempt to swim across the Danube in Odesa region resulted in an arrest. Law enforcement officers detained a 48-year-old man who tried to organize an illegal trip abroad for himself, his 19-year-old son and five acquaintances aged 21 to 39 by offering a bribe to a border guard. According to the investigation, the man offered the serviceman $6,000 and 900 euros to ensure unimpeded crossing of the state border between Ukraine and Romania by boat on the river.

Recently, law enforcement officers prevented another illegal smuggling of seven Ukrainians liable for military service to Moldova through Odesa region. A 45-year-old resident of Odesa region and a 44-year-old native of Donetsk region agreed to escort the men from seven regions of Ukraine via a safe route to the border, where there were no border guards.

Катерина Глушко