Law enforcement in Odesskaya Oblast has uncovered a criminal network involved in the illegal transfer of Ukrainian orphans and underage children abroad. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office reported the case on December 9, noting that investigators had halted an operation designed to move minors out of the country for subsequent adoption overseas.

According to the inquiry, the scheme was coordinated by a 49-year-old founder of an unidentified organization who directed the operation from abroad. Two Ukrainian women, aged 39 and 47, allegedly handled the on-the-ground arrangements inside the country. Another 15 couriers were brought in to transport children across the Ukrainian border.

Investigators determined that the group forged documents and created conditions for the unobstructed departure of minors. By the time authorities intervened, 13 children had already been taken out of Ukraine. The Prosecutor General’s Office did not disclose which countries they were sent to.

The two women operating within Ukraine have been detained. They now face charges related to human trafficking, illegal border transfers, and document forgery.