SBU and National Police expose large-scale group in Kyiv engaged in legalizing foreigners in EU countries
The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in cooperation with the National Police, has exposed and blocked a large-scale scheme for the illegal legalization of foreigners in European Union countries following a multi-stage special operation, according to the SBU press service.
"As a result of comprehensive measures that lasted more than six months in Ukraine and abroad, including covert investigative actions, law enforcement officers documented the criminal activities of the suspects, their roles in the scheme, and its mechanism of operation. The perpetrators produced high-quality forged documents that allowed migrants to cross borders and reside in European countries without hindrance," the report states.
The documents forged by the detainees included fake passports, residence permits, "karta pobytu" (residence cards), driver’s licenses, and insurance policies.
"The suspects’ clients were natives of Russia, the Middle East, and other countries who were already in the EU and attempting to legalize their stay there. According to the investigation, since May 2025 alone, the perpetrators sold forged documents totaling at least UAH 17.8 million," the SBU noted.
To implement the criminal scheme, the participants established an extensive network including IT specialists and analysts who found clients through contextual and targeted online advertising, a call center in Kyiv to support customers, high-quality document production facilities, and a logistics chain for delivering documents from Ukraine to EU countries.
"In total, according to available data, more than 100 people were involved in the criminal scheme, with functions and tasks clearly distributed among them," the SBU indicated.
During the special operation to detain the suspects, 12 simultaneous searches were conducted at their places of residence and work. Specifically, computer and mobile equipment containing evidence of illegal activity were seized, along with rough notes and documentary materials indicating the production of forged EU documents and the receipt of money for their sale, SIM cards of Ukrainian and foreign operators, and cash in foreign currency totaling over $70,000 equivalent. Its origin is being verified.
Currently, seven key figures have been detained and notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Art. 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (fraud committed on an especially large scale or by an organized group). They face up to twelve years in prison with confiscation of property.
