Border police caught six migrants who attempted to enter the Republic of Moldova illegally while hiding inside a truck. Officers documented the case during border checks on a truck that, according to documents, transported goods from Ukraine to Moldova.
The incident took place at the joint Palanca Maiaki Udobnoe Border Crossing Point on the entry side into the country.
A 69 year old Moldovan citizen arrived at the border driving the truck. Following a risk analysis, border officers selected the vehicle for additional inspection. During checks carried out by the joint Moldovan Ukrainian control team, officers discovered six Ukrainian citizens hidden in the cargo compartment. The men intended to enter the Republic of Moldova illegally.
Border police detained the truck driver for 72 hours to clarify all circumstances, establish his level of involvement, and collect evidence. The six individuals requested asylum in the Republic of Moldova in accordance with the legal procedures in force.
According to preliminary data, each man allegedly paid 12,000 dollars to facilitate the illegal border crossing and transportation. A cross border criminal group, with members operating in both the Republic of Moldova and the neighboring country, reportedly organized the operation.
Criminal prosecution actions continue under the coordination of the Causeni Prosecutor’s Office, Stefan Voda Office, with the aim of identifying all persons involved, fully documenting the criminal activity, and strengthening the body of evidence, while strictly observing the principle of the presumption of innocence.