In the Rivne region, a forestry official organized the illegal smuggling of men into Belarus
The State Bureau of Investigation has completed its pre-trial investigation and filed an indictment with the court against an official from one of the forest districts of the Polissya Forest Office of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” and his accomplice, who are suspected of organizing the illegal transport of conscriptsacross Ukraine’s state border.
According to the investigation, the suspects established a scheme for illegal travel to Belarus in early 2026.
The official sought out individuals willing to leave Ukraine and, using his knowledge of the border area, was to escort them to the state border on foot.
The cost of the “service,” according to the case file, was $8,000 per person.
Law enforcement documented the organization of the smuggling of two men and the receipt of $16,000 for this service. The arrest took place during the transfer of funds.
During a search of the official’s residence, an unregistered hunting rifle and ammunition were also discovered.
Both suspects were detained and subsequently dismissed from their jobs. According to the investigation, the defendants pleaded guilty and transferred 890,000 hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is equal to the amount of bail.
They are currently charged with organizing the illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine, as well as directing and aiding such actions committed by prior conspiracy for mercenary motives (Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Separately, the official has also been charged with the illegal carrying and possession of firearms and ammunition (Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The penalty under these articles provides for 7 to 9 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The Rivne Regional Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing the proceedings in the case.
This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation.
Earlier, at a border crossing point with Moldova, law enforcement officers exposed the organizers of a scheme to illegally smuggle men of draft age across the border.
A border patrol discovered the body of an unidentified man in a remote mountainous area about 3.5 km from the state border while patrolling the Ukrainian-Romanian section.
