In Odesa, a sailor was sent to a detention center for a scheme with formal service

In Odesa, a scheme to make money by evading real service was exposed: a reservist promised to "get" a unit without performing duties in exchange for money. The deal for $2,500 ended with his detention during the transfer of funds and arrest by court order.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Kyiv District Court of Odesa.

The judge considered the investigator's motion to impose a preventive measure on a reserve serviceman suspected of influence peddling. This is a criminal proceeding regarding bribery for influencing the decisions of officials.

According to the investigation, the suspect, a reserve soldier of one of the military units with the rank of senior sailor, organized a scheme to make money on conscripts. He offered "assistance" in finding a job at a training center of the Navy, where one could formally serve without actually appearing in the unit.

The essence of the scheme was that in exchange for a bribe, the suspect promised to influence military officials to enroll a person in service without actually performing duties. In this way, the "client" could avoid being sent to combat units.

As the investigation established, no later than March 12, 2026, the suspect made his offer to one of the persons liable for military service. The cost of the "service" was USD 2500. The man, who was offered the scheme, agreed formally, but turned to law enforcement and acted under their control.

On March 24, the suspect confirmed the demand to transfer money, and on March 25, around 13:45, he received the agreed amount of USD 2500. The transfer took place near a residential building in Odesa district. Immediately afterwards, law enforcement officers detained him.

In court, the prosecutor insisted on keeping him in custody. The defense, in turn, objected to the arrest, pointing to the lack of proven risks and suggesting a more lenient measure of restraint - house arrest. The lawyer also emphasized the suspect's service and personal circumstances. The suspect himself stated in court that some of the circumstances set out in the suspicion were not true.

As a result, the court partially granted the investigator's motion. The suspect was chosen a measure of restraint in the form of detention until May 22, 2026. At the same time, the court determined the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 665,600. If the bail is granted, the man should be immediately released from custody with procedural obligations.

Also in March, an official of the TCC in Odesa promised a military man a transfer to the rear and subsequent dismissal from service. Law enforcement officers detained him immediately after receiving the bribe and now he faces liability for influence peddling.

Анна Бальчінос