In a joint operation, police and border guards apprehended two residents of the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district who were involved in helping a conscript illegally cross the state border of Ukraine. The offenders, including a minor, had charged $7,000 for assisting their client in reaching Moldova outside of official crossing points. They now face criminal charges that could result in imprisonment and asset confiscation.

According to police reports, the two young men, aged 18 and 17, from the Petropavlivska community, conspired with an unknown person to smuggle a conscript whom they found through advertisements on a messaging app. The 18-year-old met the client in one of the settlements in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, took the first payment of $4,000, and sent the client by bus to the minor accomplice. The 17-year-old received the second payment of $3,000 and provided accommodation until nightfall. At night, the minor was supposed to lead the man to the state border, avoiding checkpoints, but they were apprehended by law enforcement.

"Investigators seized several pieces of evidence from the suspects confirming their involvement in the crime, including the proceeds from their illegal activities. Based on the collected evidence, the suspects were charged with aiding the illegal transportation of individuals across the state border of Ukraine by providing instructions, means, and removing obstacles, in conspiracy with others for profit. Under the sanctions of Article 332, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the offenders face up to nine years of imprisonment with the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in specific activities for up to three years and asset confiscation. Currently, the court has chosen preventive measures for the suspects: the older one is in custody, while the younger one is under house arrest," the statement says.

The full circle of individuals involved in this crime is being established. The investigation continues.