The SSU has dismantled an organized criminal group that was engaged in unlawful legalization of foreigners in our country. Their clients were citizens of russia and countries with an high terrorist threat from the Middle East and Central Asia.

The illegals could be used by russian special services to carry out subversive activities in the course of russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine.

It was established that the scheme was organized by the deputy head of the Central Interregional Directorate of the State Migration Service in Kyiv and Kyiv region. The official established a scheme of groundless issuance of Ukrainian documents to illegal migrants.

His criminal group issued temporary or permanent residence permits, as well as refugee permits for foreigners.

In addition, the dealers promised to employ the ‘clients’ in express delivery services in Kyiv and Lviv.

The price for such ‘services’ ranged from USD 10,000 to 15,000 per person, depending on country of origin, type of document and time for fulfilling the ‘order’.

According to the investigation, some of the migrants planned to leave for EU countries in the future.

The SSU detained the organizer and his accomplice in Kyiv after they received another payment of USD 10,000 for their ‘services’.

During the searches, the law enforcement found funds that equal almost UAH 13 mln (USD 365,000).

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 332.2 (unlawful transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine),
• 368.3 (bribery).

The court is to decide on the measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing to bring other members of the group to justice.

The operation was carried out by the Main Directorate for Countering Systemic Threats to State Administration together with the Main SSU Directorate in Kyiv and Kyiv Region and the Main Investigative Directorate under the procedural supervision of Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.