The SBU has uncovered a scheme in Kharkiv involving fake guardianships to evade mobilization

The Security Service of Ukraine announced that it had dismantled a scheme in Kharkiv designed to evade mobilization through the illegal registration of sole custody of children.

According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by a local lawyer. She enlisted two subordinates in the scheme: an assistant to a judge at one of Kharkiv’s district courts, as well as the head of the Kharkiv City Council’s district department for children’s affairs.

Investigators claim that the suspects granted conscripts fictitious single-parent status to obtain deferments from mobilization.

To do this, according to law enforcement, they produced fake certificates claiming that the mother had allegedly abandoned the child. Subsequently, based on these forged documents, they filed lawsuits in court to terminate the mothers’ parental rights.

According to the SBU, a court official facilitated the expedited consideration of cases and the issuance of the necessary rulings.

During searches of the suspects’ homes, workplaces, and vehicles, investigators seized mobile phones and documentation which, according to the investigation, confirms the scheme’s operation.

The four suspects were notified of the charges against them, specifically under articles regarding obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and abuse of influence as part of an organized group.

They face up to eight years in prison.

In accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

As a reminder, a scheme to help men flee abroad via the TCC was uncovered in Kharkiv.

The SBU detained the head of a medical examination commission in Kropyvnytskyi for selling disability certificates.

Kyiv police dismantled an interregional cocaine distribution network worth 8 million hryvnias.