A scheme for the sale of children abroad was uncovered in the Odessa region: Organizers arrested.

According to ТСН: A criminal organization that was selling Ukrainian children abroad for adoption was uncovered in the Odessa region.

According to investigation documents, the perpetrators were smuggling orphaned children and those without parental care abroad, where they were illegally adopted by foreigners.

Double profits - through illegal adoption and from conscripts

The perpetrators developed a 'scheme' to circumvent the ban on international adoption imposed during martial law, which brought them additional income. They registered guardianship in the names of proxies, mainly conscripts, as according to current law, guardians of such children cannot be conscripted and can exit Ukraine.

Furthermore, the child transporters were offered humanitarian programs that facilitated the entry of Ukrainian refugees into other countries and granted them the right to residence, work, and social benefits.

To register guardianship, the perpetrators used forged documents, such as false income certificates, rental contracts, and baptismal certificates, to allegedly confirm the 'guardians' status as the foster parents of the children. This facilitated the procedure.

They even pressured officials from the youth offices and military enlistment offices, using corrupt influence and posing as influential persons from various state institutions, including the presidential office and the attorney's office.

A member of the group living abroad disguised themselves as a leader of an international charity organization.

By deceiving military enlistment officers and officials from the youth offices, the perpetrators achieved the appointment of guardians and obtained deferrals from conscription as well as permits for transporting children abroad.

How many children fell victim to the scheme

At least 25 orphans and children without parental care became victims of the criminal scheme. Among them, 13 were illegally transported abroad and handed over to foreigners for upbringing and adoption.

The movement of another 12 children was stopped by law enforcement authorities.

How the perpetrators will be punished

Currently, three individuals, including two women from Lviv, one of whom is the organizer, and their accomplice from abroad, have been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. They face up to 15 years in prison with the possibility of asset forfeiture.

Two of the suspects were arrested by the police, and the court imposed a security measure in the form of pre-trial detention with the possibility of bail exceeding 2 million UAH.

This situation once again highlights the importance of protecting children's rights in times of war and shows the need to eliminate corrupt structures that can exploit difficult situations. Law enforcement agencies will continue to work on uncovering similar criminal groups, as the safety of children should be a priority.