The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, has uncovered and dismantled a large-scale criminal scheme for the illegal legalisation of foreign nationals in European Union states.

The scheme was exposed during a multi-stage special operation that lasted more than six months and involved operational actions both in Ukraine and abroad, including covert investigative measures.

As a result, the law enforcement documented the suspects’ criminal activities, identified their roles within the organisation, and established the full mechanism of the scheme.

The perpetrators produced high-quality forged documents that enabled migrants to cross borders and remain in EU countries without hindrance.

Among the counterfeit items were passports, residence permits, residence cards, driver’s licences, insurance policies, and other documents.

The clients of the criminal group were primarily citizens of russia, the Middle East, and other countries who were already residing in EU states and sought to legalise their status there.

According to the investigation, since May 2025 alone the group has sold forged documents worth at least UAH 17.8 million (USD 403,000).

To operate the scheme, the organisers created an extensive criminal network, which included:

• IT specialists and analysts who attracted clients through contextual and targeted online advertising;
• a call centre in Kyiv that communicated with and supported clients;
• facilities for the production of high-quality forged documents;
• a logistics network for delivering the documents from Ukraine to EU countries.

More than 100 individuals were involved in the criminal operation, each performing clearly defined roles.

During a special operation to apprehend the perpetrators, 12 simultaneous searches were conducted at their homes and workplaces. The investigators seized:

• computer and mobile devices containing evidence of the crime;
• records and documentation confirming the production and sale of forged EU documents;
• cash in foreign currency equivalent to over USD 70,000, the origin of which is currently being verified;
• SIM cards of Ukrainian and foreign mobile operators.

At present, seven key suspects have been detained and notified of suspicion under Article 190.5 of the CCU (fraud, committed on a particularly large scale or by an organised group).

The suspects face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the Main SSU Directorate in Kyiv and Kyiv Region, together with the National Police investigators, under the procedural supervision of Podil District Prosecutor’s Office of Kyiv.