SBI to conduct over 70 searches in military units over 'dead souls' and corruption

The State Bureau of Investigation, jointly with the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor General's Office, has launched a large-scale operation 'Justice for Soldiers'. Within 21 criminal proceedings, 72 searches are planned in military units across different regions of Ukraine.

This was reported by the SBI.

The operation aims to identify military personnel who are only formally on duty, illegally receiving payments, or actually working in the private interests of commanders.

Separately, investigators are checking cases where military personnel were engaged in construction, economic, and other private work instead of performing defense tasks.

58 searches relate to illegal payments

The majority of investigations are related to possible illegal accrual and receipt of cash payments.

Within 12 criminal proceedings, 58 searches are being conducted. Based on their results, the SBI plans to notify suspicion to 20 individuals.

Another five searches are being conducted in proceedings regarding the illegal use of military personnel's labor.

Nine searches relate to corruption abuse. In this proceeding, suspicion is being prepared for two more individuals.

Thus, based on the results of the first stage of the 'Justice for Soldiers' operation, law enforcement officers plan to notify suspicion to a total of 22 individuals.

Another 16 individuals may face trial

In addition to the current operation, the SBI reported the completion of investigations in four more criminal proceedings related to illegal payments to military personnel.

Indictments against 16 individuals are planned to be sent to court.

The Bureau emphasized that the operation is being conducted with the assistance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces command. The SBI and the General Staff are jointly verifying whether military personnel and budget funds are used according to their purpose.

Operation is continuation of inspections in TCCs

'Justice for Soldiers' is a continuation of the SBI's large-scale inspections in the military sphere.

At the end of July, the Bureau launched the 'Honest Conscription' operation aimed at uncovering corruption schemes in territorial recruitment and social support centers.

At that time, investigators conducted searches in various regions in cases regarding the illegal removal of men liable for military service from the register, evasion of mobilization, and bribery.

The SBI noted that detailed results of the current operation will be published after the completion of priority investigative actions.

Based on materials from: State Bureau of Investigation