The capital's law enforcement officers reported that they had uncovered a scheme in Kyiv to illegally smuggle foreigners into Ukraine through fictitious enterprises and charitable organizations.
This was reported on May 5 by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office and the metropolitan department of the National Police.
“An invitation was organized for Russian citizens on behalf of a charitable foundation under the pretext of carrying out volunteer activities here. The ultimate goal of the foreigners was to obtain temporary residence permits in Ukraine, with the obtaining of which the participants of the scheme also promised to help, using their connections in the migration service,” the report of the metropolitan prosecutor's office states.
Detention of a suspect in the illegal transportation of foreigners to Ukraine. Kyiv Police
According to the police, two people are suspected of organizing the scheme — a 45-year-old Kyiv resident and a 36-year-old lawyer's assistant. Law enforcement officers documented the legalization of three foreigners. Of them, two are Russian citizens who arrived in Ukraine under the guise of volunteers at the invitation of a fictitious charitable foundation. And also, according to the prosecutor's office, a citizen of the People's Republic of China — the director of a newly created fictitious enterprise. In total, more than 100 foreigners took advantage of the illegal scheme.
Law enforcement officers reported that they conducted 15 authorized searches and seized over $56,000, about 280,000 hryvnias, over 5,000 euros, and 4,000 zlotys, as well as equipment, data carriers, documentation, company seals, and a car belonging to one of the violators.
Money seized during searches from the suspect. Kyiv Police
The police added that one of the suspects was detained while receiving a tranche from a client. Both suspects were informed of suspicion under Art. 332 — illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine. And the organizer was also informed of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — abuse of influence. He will be in custody during the investigation.
The sanctions of the articles provide for a penalty of imprisonment for a term of up to 8 years. The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are also identifying others who may be involved in the scheme of illegal legalization of foreigners.