Ukrainian soldier suspected of illegally moving National Guard member to Moldova for $20,000
A Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier is suspected of organizing the illegal border crossing of a National Guard member to Moldova for a fee of $20,000. The suspect was detained after meeting the client in Zaporizhzhia.
Detention of a military serviceman for human smuggling
The Ukrainian prosecutor's office has announced the detention of an Armed Forces soldier accused of illegally transporting a National Guard serviceman across the state border outside checkpoints. According to the Eastern Region Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office, the suspect demanded $20,000 for this service.
Communication and planning
The investigation revealed that in May of this year, the suspect used Telegram to arrange the National Guard member's departure from Ukraine. They coordinated the route and provided instructions on preparation for the trip, including clothing and further movement within the country.
Meeting and arrest
On May 30, the suspect met the serviceman in Zaporizhzhia and accompanied him toward the city exit. During the journey, he disclosed that the final destination was Uman, where the agreed $20,000 had to be paid. After that, accomplices were to provide temporary housing and civilian clothes, and after 2–3 days, once a group of people wishing to illegally leave Ukraine was formed, additional instructions for crossing the border would be given and transportation to Moldova organized. The suspect said another trusted person would meet him in Moldova.
The suspect was detained the same day when he presented a military ID at a checkpoint, trying to avoid a thorough inspection. During searches, $20,000, a mobile phone, documents, and a vehicle were seized. The court imposed a preventive measure of custody with the possibility of bail set at 266,240 hryvnias. The prosecutor's office noted that the bail has not yet been paid, and the suspect remains in custody.
