Photo: SSU
The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, exposed a large-scale scheme of evading mobilisation and illegal departure of men abroad, organised by the deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA). This was reported by the SSU on 17 April.
According to the investigation, the official used the Shlyakh volunteer mechanism to take men of military age to EU countries under the guise of a humanitarian mission.
“The official gave instructions to enter the personal data of conscripts into the Shlyakh information system as volunteers who allegedly cooperate with an Odesa-based company engaged in the transportation of humanitarian goods,” the statement said.
Documentedly, the pseudo-volunteers travelled to the EU in heavy trucks to get fuel and other assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces. In reality, the men stayed abroad, and only the company’s employees returned with commercial cargo for sale in Ukraine.
The investigation found that from May to June 2022 alone, more than 30 men who were supposed to be registered for military service were smuggled through this scheme.
Based on the evidence collected, the official was served a notice of suspicion of:
- ч. 2 of Art. 332 of the CCU – illegal trafficking of persons across the state border of Ukraine by an official using his/her official position;
- Paras. 1, 3 Art. 362 of the CCU – unauthorised actions with information in computer systems by a person with the right of access.
The issue of choosing a measure of restraint is currently being decided. The sanctions of the articles provide for up to 7 years in prison.
Investigative actions are ongoing – law enforcement officers are identifying all participants in the scheme who could have been involved in organising the evaders’ departure abroad during martial law.
The operation was conducted by the SBU in Kyiv and Kyiv region jointly with the National Police investigators under the supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.
Note: Pursuant to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by law and convicted by a court.
