To Poland via Belarus for $19.3 thousand – organizer of escape for soldier AWOL detained in Kharkiv
Kyiv • UNN
In Kharkiv, the organizer of a soldier's escape to Poland for $19,300 was detained. The man promised a border crossing via Belarus despite the individual's AWOL status.
Law enforcement officers have exposed a 40-year-old resident of Pisochyn, Kharkiv district, suspected of organizing an illegal exit from Ukraine for a serviceman who was wanted for unauthorized abandonment of his unit (AWOL). This was reported by the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, according to UNN.
Details
According to the investigation, in early February 2024, the man offered the soldier "assistance" in traveling abroad outside of official checkpoints. To be more convincing, he claimed to have alleged connections among employees of the State Border Guard Service.
The suspect also promised to influence migration service employees to issue a new foreign passport.
The route went through Lutsk and Belarus
According to the investigation, the scheme involved a train trip to Lutsk, where the man was to be provided with housing for hiding and waiting for the "right moment" to cross the border.
After that, as the organizer claimed, Ukrainian border guards were to ensure unhindered exit from Ukraine, and Belarusian ones – entry into the territory of Belarus. Further, the route was to lead to Poland.
Charged extra for AWOL status
The suspect valued the full package of "services" at 19,300 US dollars. According to the investigation, this amount included the organization of illegal departure, the production of a foreign passport, and a separate surcharge due to the client's status as AWOL.
On April 16, in Kharkiv, law enforcement officers detained the man after he received the full agreed amount.
Suspicion and arrest
He was notified of suspicion under articles regarding the organization of illegal smuggling of persons across the state border of Ukraine and receiving an improper benefit for influencing officials.
At the request of the prosecutor, the court chose a preventive measure in the form of detention.