Ukraine’s security service dismantles scheme aiding draft dodgers to flee to Transnistria

This international criminal group operated in favor of Russia and illegally transported Ukrainian men of conscription age out of the country.

The group was organized by two residents of Transnistria with dual Ukrainian and Moldovan citizenship and who were on radar of Russian special services. They involved accomplices from Moldova and Ukraine to create this illegal migration channel, the SBU reported.

The route went from Odesa Oblast to Transnistria, and then to Moldova. The cost ranged up to $5,000, depending on the urgency of departure. Payment for these “services” were made via cryptocurrency trades.

The suspects then transported their “clients” to the Russian puppet territory, and then guided them along forest paths beyond Moldovan checkpoints.

Law enforcement officers detained two members of the gang in Moldova while they were smuggling a number of draft dodgers out of the country. Two more suspects were caught in Odesa while preparing to engage in further human trafficking.

The suspects have been charged with illegally transporting individuals across the Ukrainian border — a charge which can result in three to five years imprisonment. An in-absentia charge is being prepared for the two scheme organizers who are currently hiding in Transnistria.