In Ivano-Frankivsk region, the SBI exposed officials of the migration service who extorted money from foreigners for extending their duration of stay in Ukraine

With the assistance of the State Migration Service, the SBI employees detained and served notifications of suspicion to the head of one of the departments of the Western Interregional Directorate of the State Migration Service in Ivano-Frankivsk and his subordinate, who organized a scheme of money extortion from foreigners.

The perpetrators also involved in the scheme a translator, who received and transferred part of the illegal proceeds “for services” rendered by the migration officials. The other part was paid by the “clients” personally to the officials.

From August till October 2025, the suspects extorted $5,5 thousand from seven foreigners for decisions to extend their duration of stay in Ukraine.

In fact, they managed to receive $3,8 thousand.

Law enforcement officers detained one of the participants of the scheme during the working day in a slot machine hall, where he was spending time instead of performing his official duties.

During searches in the State Migration Service offices, the residences of the suspects, and the translator's office, the documents, mobile phones and money were seized.

Three individuals have been served notifications of suspicion:

• the head of the department and his subordinate — under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of a proposal, promise, or receipt of unlawful benefit by an official);
• the translator — for aiding and abetting in obtaining unlawful benefits (Part 3 of Article 368 and Part 5 of Article 27 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The articles provide for up to 10 years of imprisonment.

The court imposed a preventive measure in the form of detention with the right to post bail on all the suspects. A motion has been filed to seize the confiscated and personal property of the suspects, as well as to suspend two migration officials from their positions.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Other possible cases of extortion by employees of the same state agency are being investigated.

The procedural guidance is provided by the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor's Office.