Photo: A human trafficking ring smuggling men abroad was uncovered in Transcarpathia
In Zakarpattia, law enforcement officials uncovered a scheme to illegally smuggle men across the Ukrainian-Slovak border. According to the investigation, the organizers charged each “client” 17,000 dollars.
According to the investigation, the illegal scheme was organized by two Transcarpathian residents, aged 48 and 54. One of them was responsible for finding clients, meeting them, and, if necessary, arranging hotel accommodations, while the other provided instructions and escorted them to the state border.
Law enforcement officers apprehended the suspects in Uzhhorod “red-handed” while they were receiving the agreed-upon payment for organizing the illegal border crossing.
During searches of the suspects’ premises, law enforcement seized cash, cell phones, bank cards, and a vehicle which, according to the investigation, was used in the illegal activities.
Both men were notified of their status as suspects under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine). The court ordered them to be held in custody for 60 days, with the right to post bail.
The pretrial investigation is ongoing. At the same time, in accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, individuals are presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court conviction.
This was reported on July 8 by the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
