After investigators uncovered the alleged scheme, the suspect crossed into neighboring Moldova—but legal proceedings followed him back to Ukraine.
Moldova has handed over to Ukraine a 30-year-old resident of the Vinnytsia region suspected of organizing the illegal crossing of the state border by men of conscription age.
The extradition was carried out through the Mohyliv-Podilskyi border crossing point. Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service stated that, after being exposed, the man left for Moldova in an attempt to avoid responsibility.
The suspect found his “clients” mainly through personal contacts and connections. After operatives from the Mohyliv-Podilskyi Border Guard Detachment, together with police investigators, established his involvement in illegal activities, the young man decided to evade responsibility and hide in Moldova.
– the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said in a statement
Suspicion and search in the case of smuggling draft evaders
As part of criminal proceedings under Article 332 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, the man was notified in absentia that he was suspected of illegally transporting persons across the state border. He was subsequently placed on the wanted list.
Ukrainian law enforcement officers provided the Moldovan side with materials and evidence related to the suspect’s alleged illegal activities. In Moldova, he attempted to obtain temporary protection, but courts at all levels rejected his claims.
What preventive measure was chosen for the suspect
Following his extradition to Ukraine, the court ordered the man to be held in custody as a preventive measure. The court will subsequently consider the case on its merits and issue a final ruling.