A criminal mechanism for the illegal smuggling of conscripts across the border of Ukraine has been uncovered in Rivne.
This is reported by Rivne24
The Security Service of Ukraine has completed a pre-trial investigation against four participants in the “scheme for draft dodgers,” who were detained during a special operation in the Rivne region in April of this year.
According to the investigation, the organizer of the scheme turned out to be a 21-year-old resident of Rivne region, who involved three accomplices in the criminal activity, including his own brother.
The participants in the scheme targeted men of conscription age who wished to avoid mobilization, for which they demanded $4,500 from each.
They clearly divided responsibilities: the organizer was responsible for finding “clients,” one of the accomplices provided transportation to the border area, while the others acted as “guides” and facilitated unobstructed passage through checkpoints and roadblocks.
The “draft dodgers” were required to follow strict instructions to avoid attracting the attention of Ukrainian law enforcement and border guards.
Employees of the Security Service detained two participants in the scheme “in the act” as they were smuggling three conscripts and receiving $13,500 for their services.
The detained individuals were previously informed of their suspicion of committing a crime under part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal transportation of individuals across the state border). Later, two more participants were also charged with similar accusations.
Despite being informed of the suspicion, the organizer of the scheme did not cease his activities and was re-arrested in July of this year.
The Rivne Regional Prosecutor’s Office has sent indictments against the four criminals to court for the illegal transportation of individuals across the border. This crime is punishable by up to nine years of imprisonment.