Under the procedural supervision of the Lviv Region Prosecutor’s Office, the deputy head of one of the customs clearance departments of the Lviv Customs post and a resident of Zakarpattia region were served a notice of suspicion.
They are charged with organising the smuggling of persons liable for military service across the state border of Ukraine, by prior conspiracy by a group of persons, repeatedly, for mercenary motives (Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the investigation, the suspects organised a scheme to smuggle men liable for military service across the state border of Ukraine during martial law.
To do this, the “clients” came to Lviv, where they were met by the suspect and instructed on how to behave during the illegal border crossing. In addition, the officer gave advice and instructions on how to behave in different situations.
The man also provided accommodation for his “clients” in a hotel and their transfer to Zakarpattia region, where they were met by a local resident. The suspect was responsible for the accommodation and provision of food for the fugitives.
Later, the men crossed the border outside the checkpoints.
It was documented that at least two people crossed the border in this way.
The investigation is ongoing. All the circumstances of the crimes are being established and measures are being taken to bring all the persons involved to criminal responsibility.
At the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were chosen custody as a measure of restraint with the right to be released on bail.
The pre-trial investigation is being carried out under the materials and operational support of the SBU Department in Lviv region, investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Lviv region, with the operational support of the SBU Office in Lviv region and the 7th Border Guard Detachment of the Carpathian Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Department of Departmental Security and Control of the State Customs Service.
Note: In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict of guilty.
Information Policy Department of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office 