A Ukrainian woman who disappeared in San Diego more than a year ago likely crossed into Mexico shortly after vanishing, according to new findings announced by the San Diego Police Department on Friday.
Anastasiia V. Shamko, 24, was last seen in the Pacific Beach neighborhood on July 14, 2025, officials said during a press conference. Despite an extensive search and investigation spanning more than a year, authorities had been unable to determine her fate until now.
Background
Shamko arrived in San Diego in early 2025 on a tourist visa, according to immigration records reviewed by police. She had been staying at a hostel near Garnet Avenue and had been active on social media documenting her travels along the California coast.
Friends and family reported her missing when she stopped responding to messages around mid-July 2025. Her belongings, including her passport, wallet and cell phone, were found in her locked hostel room, police said.
The case initially gained attention from Ukrainian consular officials, who worked with San Diego investigators to explore possible leads involving human trafficking, though that angle has not been confirmed.
The Investigation
San Diego Police Detective Maria Rodriguez said Friday that investigators have pieced together surveillance footage and witness statements suggesting Shamko traveled south toward the Mexican border shortly after her disappearance.
"Based on evidence gathered over 14 months of investigation, including cross-border communication records and eyewitness accounts from the San Ysidro area, we believe Ms. Shamko voluntarily entered Mexico," Detective Rodriguez said during the briefing.
The department has coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican authorities through official channels to share intelligence about the case, officials said.
No suspects have been identified, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Anastasiia V. Shamko, 24, vanished from San Diego's Pacific Beach area on July 14, 2025
- Police now believe she crossed into Mexico within days of her disappearance
- Her belongings were found at a hostel; no signs of struggle were reported
- Ukrainian consular officials have been monitoring the case since early 2026
- No criminal charges have been filed; investigation remains active
What's Next
Mexican immigration authorities have been alerted to be on the lookout for Shamko, Detective Rodriguez said. The San Diego Police Department has assigned the case to its cold case unit but emphasized that investigative efforts will continue.
Family members, who have maintained a social media presence seeking information about Shamko, expressed cautious hope following Friday's announcement. Ukrainian consular officials in Los Angeles did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Anyone with information regarding Anastasiia V. Shamko is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department's tipline at (619) 531-2273 or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers.