Fake passports, an international distribution network, and shadow profits: ESBU exposes a cross-border criminal group

 A large-scale, cross-border criminal business manufacturing fake documents has been dismantled. The extensive special operation was conducted by detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Kyiv region, jointly with SSU officers and under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation established that members of the organized group set up the production of fake Ukrainian citizen passports for foreign nationals. Subsequently, these documents were used for illegal stay and free movement across the territory of European Union countries, as well as for illegal entry into Canada. In effect, the suspects ensured the operation of international channels for illegal migration and the legalization of foreigners abroad.

In parallel, the scheme operators organized the large-scale production of other counterfeit documentation: higher education diplomas, driver's licenses, birth and marriage certificates, real estate and land plot documents, and other official forms.

The clandestine production operated as a full-fledged criminal business with an international geographic scope and multi-million dollar shadow turnovers.

As part of the special operation, approximately 30 searches were conducted in Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and the western regions of Ukraine. ESBU detectives uncovered a widespread infrastructure for illegal document manufacturing that serviced illicit activities both within Ukraine and abroad.

During the investigative actions, high-tech equipment for manufacturing counterfeit documents, metal clichés, blank passport forms, forged seals and stamps of state institutions, rough accounting records, cash in foreign currency, vehicles, and weapons was seized.

Currently, 15 individuals have been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 199 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Six individuals have been placed under restrictive measures in the form of custody with the option of bail and 24-hour house arrest.

Urgent investigative and procedural actions are ongoing, aimed at identifying the full circle of involved individuals, documenting all episodes of criminal activity, the group's international connections, and the funding sources of the illicit scheme.

It should be noted that, according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict of conviction.