Photo: SSU press service
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), together with the Prosecutor General’s Office and with the support of the Ministry of Defense and the command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has successfully dismantled another draft evasion scheme. As a result of comprehensive measures in the Kyiv region, three organizers of the criminal scheme were detained: the heads of two district territorial recruitment centers and their accomplice—a national from the South Caucasus.
During searches of the detainees’ homes and vehicles, over $1.2 million in U.S. dollars was discovered. Most of the seized cash was hidden in specially equipped caches under floors and behind wall coverings.
Investigations revealed that the detainees offered military conscripts services in the form of forged documents declaring them unfit for service. The cost of such “services” amounted to $37,000 per draft dodger, including the preparation of fake medical certificates and “escort” during the military-medical commission process.
The criminals used their connections with VLK representatives to implement the scheme, allowing draft dodgers to be removed from military records and escape abroad. To find clients and handle money transfers, they involved a foreign intermediary, who was arrested in a Kyiv restaurant while receiving $50,000 from new clients. Subsequently, both TCC officials were detained.
Additionally, during searches of the foreigner’s residence, a large amount of weaponry was found, including a silenced pistol, the origin of which is currently being investigated.
The detainees have been charged under the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 1 of Article 114-1 (interference with the lawful activities of the Armed Forces and other military formations) and Part 3 of Article 369 (bribery of an official). They face up to 8 years in prison.
Comprehensive measures are ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and hold those responsible accountable. Further investigative actions are being conducted jointly with the Command of the Ground Forces and the Medical Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Source: SSU press service
