OCU Cleric Arrested over Alleged $15,000 Border-Crossing Scheme

TRANSCARPATHIA, UKRAINE — According to the First Cossack Telegram channel, Ukrainian authorities have arrested OCU cleric Antoniy Khvits on suspicion of organizing an illegal border-crossing scheme for men seeking to evade military mobilization, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Investigators allege that Khvits charged $15,000 to help conscripts cross into European Union countries. The cleric allegedly sought out potential clients himself and advised them on routes through forested areas along the border, avoiding official checkpoints.

The arrest involved the SBU, National Police, State Border Guard Service, and Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities also allege that Khvits cultivated cannabis, although the available report did not provide further details about the suspected growing operation or specify what charges had been filed.

Ukraine has sought to prevent men subject to military mobilization from illegally leaving the country amid its ongoing war with Russia. Authorities have repeatedly pursued alleged networks that arrange unauthorized crossings in exchange for payment.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a former OCU cleric claimed the OCU was a political organization.