The SBU and the National Police have uncovered 12 schemes to evade mobilization in eight regions

The Security Service of Ukraine, in cooperation with the National Police, has dismantled 12 more schemes for illegally evading mobilization. Law enforcement officers detained the organizers of these schemes, who were operating in various regions of the country.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators offered conscripts between $1,000 and $33,000 to obtain forged documents or helped them illegally cross the state border outside of official checkpoints. Law enforcement officials are taking further steps to hold those involved accountable.

For example, in the Chernivtsi region, the head of a border guard unit was detained for profiting from smuggling draft dodgers into the European Union.

The investigation revealed that the official had organized a channel for potential conscripts to cross the border unimpeded, “bypassing” checkpoints.

According to available information, the suspect also used this channel to smuggle tobacco products into neighboring EU countries.

In the Kharkiv region, four medical workers were caught red-handed for unjustifiably admitting draft dodgers for inpatient treatment and then issuing them forged disability certificates for Groups II and III.

It has been established that doctors from various medical institutions in the Kharkiv region were involved in the scheme. Among them are the head of the internal medicine department, a neurologist, an ophthalmologist, and a family physician.

In the Poltava region, three more doctors were placed under suspicion: a local internist—the chair of the Medical Examination Commission—an otolaryngologist, and a physician specializing in physical and rehabilitation medicine. The suspects sold fake medical certificates stating “poor health” to secure deferrals from military conscription.

In addition, a repair battalion commander in the region came under suspicion for “turning a blind eye” to subordinates deserting their posts in exchange for money.

In the Zhytomyr region, the head of a district military registration and enlistment office unit was exposed for removing draft evaders from electronic wanted lists in exchange for bribes and guaranteeing them temporary “immunity” from conscription.

In the Kirovohrad region, a broker was detained who, through acquaintances at the regional road administration, “reserved” positions for those subject to military service at a state institution. 

The suspect also offered draft dodgers a fake “Reserve+” status, which would indicate that the client had a deferment from mobilization due to employment at a critically important enterprise.

In Zakarpattia, a deputy head of a border guard department was exposed for organizing the smuggling of draft dodgers into the EU outside of official border crossing points.

It was documented how the official prepared border-crossing routes for his clients and then guided them “by phone” through the forest.

In addition, a deserter and his acquaintance were caught red-handed in the region while transporting draft dodgers out of Ukraine.

According to the case file, the traffickers picked up clients from the city’s train station in their own car and transported them to a forested area where it was allegedly possible to “cross over” into a neighboring country.

In the Vinnytsia region, a tow truck driver was caught attempting to secretly transport a group of conscripts across the border in the vehicles he was towing.

Also, in the regional capital, a businessman was detained who promised draft dodgers he would secure disability status for them through a fictitious hospitalization. To do this, he planned to enlist the help of officials he knew at the EKPF (formerly the MSEC).

In addition, a broker was detained in Vinnytsia who, for a fee, promised a mobilized man he would “get him out” of the Territorial Military Commissariat. To do this, he claimed he would use his own connections within the military.

In Zaporizhzhia, a conscript was exposed for “reserving” spots for draft dodgers at a local defense plant in exchange for money. The “service package” included fictitious employment followed by travel abroad under the guise of a business trip.

The suspects have now been notified of the charges against them in connection with the crimes committed.

The suspects face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. 

This was reported by the SBU.

In Volyn, the State Bureau of Economic Security (SBES) uncovered tax evasion totaling nearly ₴28 million in the flower business.

In Kyiv, a scheme to evade mobilization involving a former official was uncovered.