The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, exposed and blocked a large-scale scheme for illegal legalization of foreigners in the countries of the European Union. The multi-stage operation lasted more than six months in Ukraine and abroad. The Security Service of Ukraine reported this on March 11 on its official website.
Law enforcement officers documented the actions of the participants and the mechanisms of the scheme’s operation. The attackers used high-tech equipment to produce fake documents, including passports, residence permits, life cards, driver’s licenses and insurance policies, which allowed migrants to cross borders and stay in the EU without hindrance.
The network’s clients were people from Russia, the Middle East and other countries. Since May 2025 alone, the fraudsters have sold fake documents for at least UAH 17.8 million.
The scheme involved more than 100 people, including IT specialists and analysts who looked for clients through online advertising, and a call center operated in Kyiv to support orders. A logistics chain was created to deliver documents from Ukraine to the EU.
During the special operation, 12 simultaneous searches were conducted at the places of residence and work of the suspects. Computer and mobile equipment, draft records and materials on the production of counterfeits, cash in foreign currency worth over 70 thousand US dollars, as well as SIM cards of Ukrainian and foreign operators were seized.
Seven key participants were detained and reported on suspicion under Part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud on an especially large scale or by an organized group). They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
