A military officer who took bribes from those wishing to avoid mobilization is punished in Odesa

In Odesa, a military officer was prosecuted for taking bribes and obstructing mobilization.

He was sentenced by the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa.

The investigation established that the soldier, using his official position, demanded a bribe of USD 1,000 from an entrepreneur for not taking mobilization measures against him and the employees of his service station. In addition, he promised to deliver calls signed and stamped by his superiors, as well as to provide information on the location of mobilization groups to avoid delivery of calls.

The soldier received the money in two stages: On December 12, 2024, he received $1,000 through an intermediary, also a soldier, and another $1,000 on January 6, 2025. In December, he also personally handed the businessman several blank draft notices and instructed him on how to fill them out to avoid being drafted.

In addition, it was established that this serviceman systematically informed about the dates and places of mobilization events and checkpoints in Odesa district. This allowed not only the entrepreneur to evade mobilization, but also other people whom he indicated.

The court concluded that the soldier acted intentionally, for mercenary reasons, in prior conspiracy with a familiar soldier. Their actions are regarded as obstructing the work of the Armed Forces. During the trial, the accused pleaded guilty.

The court found him guilty under Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 114-1 and Part 1 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces, accepting a promise to receive a bribe by agreement).

The soldier was sentenced to five years in prison and fined 85 thousand hryvnias. At the same time, the court released the convict from serving his sentence with a probationary period of three years. During this period, he must comply with a number of obligations: report to the probation authority, notify the probation authority of any change of residence or employment, not travel outside Ukraine without permission, and follow the probation program.

The sentence comes into force if it is not appealed within the time limits established by law.

Ірина Глухова