In the past nine months, more than 270 organizers and accomplices of illegal border crossing schemes have been uncovered in Transcarpathia. A total of 174 indictments have been sent to court, with 395 individuals arrested while attempting to flee Ukraine. The expected illicit gains amount to over $1.6 million. Throughout 2025, local courts have already issued 18 verdicts against 20 individuals for organizing illegal transportation of conscript-aged men, with many cases still pending in court.
Among the recent rulings is the verdict from the Berehiv District Court against a 23-year-old resident of Hrushevo, who, along with an accomplice, attempted to smuggle two men into Hungary for a fee ranging from $3,500 to $5,000. The man, who had a prior conviction, was apprehended by border guards on the outskirts of the village of Velyka Bakhta. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 6 years in prison.
Additionally, a 26-year-old local resident was convicted in Berehiv, who, despite having an outstanding criminal record for theft, organized an attempt to smuggle two men from Kirovohrad and Zaporizhia regions to Hungary. The perpetrator accompanied his “clients” almost to the border line, where they were detained by border guards. The prosecution proved the man's guilt, leading the court to impose a 5-year prison sentence with additional restrictions on holding public office.
Another verdict was issued against a 33-year-old resident of Kostylivka in Rakhiv, who, along with accomplices, attempted to smuggle four Afghan citizens into Hungary. The woman rented vehicles, coordinated transportation, and accompanied the transport with conscripted individuals nearly to the border, where law enforcement uncovered their activities. She was sentenced to 5 years in prison with additional restrictions on holding certain positions.
In Uzhhorod, since the beginning of the year, 3 individuals have been sentenced to real prison time for the illegal transportation of conscripted individuals across the state border.
A resident of Chop received a 7-year prison sentence for attempting to smuggle a conscripted individual to Slovakia for $6,500. Another convicted individual hails from Skadovsk, found guilty of organizing the illegal transportation of two men to Hungary via the Tysa River. Another individual was sentenced to 7 years in prison for organizing a scheme to smuggle a conscripted individual to Slovakia.
The prosecution consistently responds to every case of illegal transportation organization, ensuring that cases lead to guilty verdicts.