Belarus’ Interior Ministry reported the detention of two women who provided assistance to foreign nationals previously deported from the country. The operation was described by the ministry’s press service as the “blocking of an illegal migration channel.”
The detention was carried out by officers of the 7th Directorate (for the Vitsyebsk Region) of the Main Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of the Interior Ministry in cooperation with the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Minsk City Executive Committee’s Main Internal Affairs Directorate.
“Over the course of a year, the 30- and 39-year-old women provided assistance to foreign nationals who had previously been deported from Belarus. The suspects accommodated clients in rented apartments, charging $50 per person per day for lodging. At least 40 people used their services,” the Interior Ministry said.
Searches were conducted. Computer equipment, communication devices, documents and cash were seized.
A criminal case has been opened for organizing illegal migration. The foreign nationals will be expelled from the country, and the women have been placed in custody.
