Soldier and civilian arrested for smuggling draft dodgers
The State Bureau of Investigation detained a Ukrainian serviceman from Kyiv and a civilian from Kharkiv for organizing the illegal border crossing of four military-aged men.
According to the investigation, the Kharkiv resident sought out individuals wishing to leave Ukraine and promised them unimpeded passage through border checkpoints. He claimed that, thanks to necessary connections, all formalities would be resolved on the spot. For his role in the scheme, he planned to keep $10,000, with the remaining amount distributed among other participants, including the serviceman.
The serviceman was responsible for transporting the men to the border using a vehicle equipped with special signals, leveraging his official position to ensure their unimpeded passage.
Both individuals were apprehended during the transfer of the full agreed-upon amount. The vehicle used in the operation was confiscated.
The detainees have been formally charged, and the court has ordered their detention. They may be released on bail set at 1 million UAH each.
