The District Prosecutor’s Office in Przemyśl confirmed it is investigating a criminal group that, between October 2023 and February 2024, facilitated illegal border crossings by Ukrainian citizens.
Spokeswoman Marta Pętkowska said the network used hidden compartments in locomotives of the international Odessa–Przemyśl train.
According to Pętkowska, the perpetrators charged a minimum of $10,000 per person, with some cases reaching as much as $12,000.
She added that the arrested train drivers have pleaded not guilty, face up to eight years in prison, and the indictment is expected to be submitted to court soon.
The case is ongoing, further arrests are possible, and Polish authorities have requested legal assistance from Ukraine.
The Polish state news agency PAP reported that Lieutenant Piotr Zakielarz, spokesperson for the Bieszczady Border Guard Unit, said the operation was uncovered earlier this year by border guards at Medyka.
Two Ukrainian train drivers were arrested and charged with participation in an organized criminal group and facilitating illegal border crossings.
Two Ukrainians who crossed the border illegally using the network were also detained. Both admitted the charges and said they acted to avoid military conscription.
Investigators continue to identify other members of the criminal network and additional individuals who were smuggled across the border.
The probe is being conducted under the supervision of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Przemyśl, with Polish border guards cooperating closely with the Criminal Police Department of the Rzeszów Regional Police Headquarters.
(mp)
Source: PR24/PAP/X/@Prok_Okreg_PRZ