A network of schemes with mobilization and military service exposed in Ukraine

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the State Bureau of Investigation and the National Police, has exposed five new schemes for evading mobilization and military service. In different regions of the country, 12 alleged organizers of illegal activity were detained.

The SBU press service reported this on October 16.

In Kyiv, three people were detained who, according to investigators, were issuing fictitious disability to those liable for military service for money. To do this, they engaged familiar medics who forged medical histories, examination results, and documents about inpatient treatment. The suspects were detained while receiving money for a fake medical certificate.

In Zaporizhzhia, law enforcement exposed a trauma surgeon, the head of the rehabilitation department, and the head of the X-ray room. According to the investigation, they issued fictitious diagnoses of serious illnesses to those liable for military service. The alleged organizer of the scheme was abroad, from where he sought clients and coordinated the actions of the medical workers.

In Vinnytsia region, three people were detained on suspicion of organizing the illegal departure of men of draft age abroad. According to the SBU, the group members ensured the transportation of clients and facilitated their illegal crossing of the state border outside official checkpoints.

Another scheme was exposed in Kherson. Investigators found that a local taxi driver was transporting servicemen who had left military units without authorization for money and promised to help them leave for EU countries. The suspect was detained in Odesa region.

In Sumy region, law enforcement exposed two residents of Shostka who administered a Telegram channel with information about the movements of representatives of the TCC and police. According to the investigation, they collected and disseminated information that could be used to evade mobilization.

All detainees were notified of suspicion under relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Depending on the circumstances, they are charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces, illegal transportation of persons across the state border, abuse of influence, and aiding desertion.

According to the SBU, the suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The alleged organizer of the scheme in Zaporizhzhia, who is abroad, was notified of suspicion in absentia.

Investigations are being conducted under the procedural guidance of the prosecutor's offices of the respective regions. The guilt of the defendants is to be established by the court.