Schemes to evade mobilization are being uncovered across Ukraine
A large-scale special operation called “Ukhilyant” is underway in Ukraine, during which law enforcement officials are investigating schemes to illegally obtain deferments and exemptions from military service. A total of 515 searches have already been conducted, 389 people have been notified of suspicion, and during document checks, over 2,000 cases with signs of forgery were discovered.
This large-scale operation is being conducted by the Internal Security Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies. Its goal is to identify and dismantle schemes through which those subject to military service attempt to illegally obtain deferments or exemptions from service. The operation has several components, named “Opikun,” “Hippocrates,” “Themis,” and “Nemesis.”
Over 2,000 documents showing signs of forgery
During the first phase of “Opikun,” law enforcement officials reviewed documents that conscripts had submitted to district and city military registration and enlistment offices and military commissariats to obtain deferments. The General Staff reported that they identified more than 2,124 individuals whose documents showed signs of forgery.
“Over 2,124 individuals were identified whose documents showed signs of forgery. For each established case, the relevant materials were forwarded to law enforcement agencies for decision-making within their jurisdiction,” the VSP statement reads. In total, as part of the operational phase of the operation, law enforcement officers conducted 515 searches. Based on the results, 389 individuals were notified of their status as suspects.
Fictitious Diagnoses and Medical Certificates
A separate component of the operation was named “Hippocrates.” It targets medical professionals who, according to the investigation, may have helped conscripts obtain fictitious diagnoses. This involves employees of the Medical and Social Examination Commission (MSEC), Local Medical Commission (LMC), and Higher Medical Commission (HMC). Using false medical documents, individuals were able to obtain deferments or exemptions from military service.
In one of the criminal cases, law enforcement documented the activities of a group of medical professionals at one of the regional municipal enterprises. According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, 34 conscripts have already been identified who received deferrals based on fictitious diagnoses.
Court rulings were also used in these schemes
The next area of focus was “Themis.” Here, law enforcement investigated schemes in which court rulings were used to illegally obtain grounds for deferrals. According to the investigation, the head of one of the district courts was exposed in this line of inquiry. Law enforcement officials allege that he received improper benefits in exchange for favorable rulings establishing that a father was independently raising and supporting his child.
To date, more than 40 such court rulings have been identified. The district court president was notified of charges under Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Fictitious Employment in Schools
Another phase of the operation was named “Nemesis.” It concerns the fictitious employment of draft-eligible individuals in secondary schools. Such employment could have been used to obtain a deferment from mobilization.
As part of this phase, law enforcement officers conducted 61 authorized searches. As a result of the operation, five school administrators were detained. They were notified of suspicion under Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Another 29 conscripts were notified of suspicion under Article 336 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The operation is ongoing
The General Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that the “Ukhilyant” special operation is not yet complete. Law enforcement officials continue to identify the organizers, intermediaries, and other participants in these schemes. These cases involve instances where individuals may have used forged documents, fictitious medical diagnoses, court rulings, or nominal employment to avoid military service.
Law enforcement officials are also investigating possible corrupt ties that may have enabled these schemes to operate. The Military Law Enforcement Service states that the investigation will continue until all those involved in organizing and using illegal schemes have been identified. This was reported by the press service of the Military Law Enforcement Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In the Chernihiv region, a detained deserter attempted to offer a bribe of 40,000 hryvnias.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have uncovered 12 schemes to evade mobilization in eight regions.
