Fake seamen: SBU blocked the scheme of illegal departure of men abroad

The security service has blocked another channel of Ukrainians of conscription age fleeing abroad in Odesa.

As a result of special operations, two organizers of illegal “traffic” were detained in Odesa, the СБУ SBU reported.

Criminals offered potential conscripts to leave Ukraine, in particular, under the guise of sailors of foreign ships.

The participants approached each order individually — they offered a wide range of “services” taking into account the “peculiarities” of the client. On average, the cost of a “ticket” was from $5,000, depending on the region of residence and the urgency of departure.

The impersonators used their own connections in the State Service of Maritime and Inland Water Transport and Shipping of Ukraine to issue seafarer identity cards without the presence of citizens, as well as forged medical and qualification documents of seafarers.

The SBU detained both organizers of the “traffic” while receiving money from another client. During searches of their places of residence, computer equipment and documentation with evidence of criminal activities, seals and stamps of state institutions, as well as cash obtained through criminal means were found.

Currently, an investigation is underway within the framework of criminal proceedings under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine). They also check the involvement of officials of state institutions in illegal activities.