The National Police have exposed a group that was smuggling soldiers out of their units for $15,000
The National Police have uncovered an interregional criminal group that organized the illegal removal of military personnel from military units and places of service. According to the investigation, the participants in the scheme helped military personnel leave units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and avoid further service in exchange for money. The cost of such “services” was approximately $15,000.
This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
Law enforcement officials are identifying all those involved in organizing and carrying out the illegal scheme.
They “operated” in the Volyn, Lviv, Rivne, Zhytomyr, and Chernivtsi regions.
According to operational data, since November 2025, the group’s members have been involved in at least ten cases of illegally removing military personnel from their units.
The cost of such “services” ranged from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity and level of secrecy.
To avoid detection, the group members used rented cars, changed license plates, and employed GPS trackers and special mobile phones to coordinate their actions. In addition, they used corrupt connections in medical facilities to arrange fictitious treatment for military personnel in civilian hospitals, from which their so-called “abduction” was subsequently carried out. In their conversations, the suspects used code words and methods of secrecy.
Law enforcement officers, with the support of the TOR special patrol police unit, detained the organizer and two of his accomplices during another “abduction” of a servicemember and the transfer of $8,000.
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As a reminder, mobilization for conscripts aged 50 and older began in Ukraine on December 1, 2025.
Men over 60 who have reached the age limit may serve in the military only on a voluntary basis. The Contract 60+program was created for them. Such individuals may serve in non-combat roles and must meet certain requirements.
