But he won't do it on his own. Rahman and thousands of illegal migrants like him will tap into Ukraine' s extensive network of human traffickers, who are thriving on Ukraine's lax border controls and the demand for their services from the estimated 500,000 illegal migrants in Ukraine. Human trafficking is a multi-billon dollar business worldwide, but in few places is the trade more brisk than here on Ukraine's western border. The problem concerns the European Union, which is looking to bring Ukrainian neighbors like Hungary and Slovakia into its fold. The delegation faces a tall task.
Ukrainian traffickers are numerous, organized, and operate with virtual impunity.
Rahman will have little problem finding new traffickers to help him attempt to cross the border again after his release. Locals will offer him a place to stay and smugglers will provide him with a plan. He may be caught and released once again, but that's part of the game. Up to 35 percent of those detained at Ukraine's western border are repeat offenders. The trafficking route for most illegal migrants in Ukraine starts in Asian countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh and proceeds through Moscow.