Pastry Theft in Slovakia Leads to Capture of Wanted Ukrainian People-Smuggling Suspect

Arrest Made in Kosice

According to Главком: A 23-year-old Ukrainian man, identified as Mykhailo B., was arrested in the Slovak city of Kosice. He was the subject of an international manhunt for allegedly organizing illegal border crossings. His capture was triggered by an incident where he attempted to steal croissants from a supermarket. A Kosice district court has since ordered him to be held in custody.

Investigation Details

Mykhailo B. was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice. Authorities in Ukraine suspect him of illegally smuggling men across the state border. The alleged crimes date back to January 2022. According to investigators, he and an accomplice arranged the transport of three fellow Ukrainians, beginning the journey at a gas station in the village of Bilky, Zakarpattia region.

• The three individuals were placed in a Mercedes Benz E 320 vehicle.
• They were then transported to the village of Dyda in the Berehove district, close to the border with Hungary.
• The suspect was to receive 2,000 euros for carrying out this operation.

Ukrainian law enforcement had placed him on the international wanted list. The Kosice regional court has now ruled for his preliminary detention. If found guilty in Ukraine, Mykhailo B. faces up to seven years in prison.

This case highlights the persistent challenges of illegal migration and smuggling in Central Europe, a region where border security remains a high priority for EU member states. The arrest underscores the ongoing cooperation between Ukrainian and Slovak authorities in tackling cross-border crime, demonstrating that even minor offenses can lead to the capture of individuals wanted for serious international crimes.