May 8, 2025, 1:58 p.m.

In Odesa region, positions in critical enterprises were sold for $950

(Photo: National Police in Odesa region)

In the Podil district of Odesa region, men were falsely employed in critical enterprises so that they could receive a reservation from mobilization. The illegal business was stopped by law enforcement officers who detained the dealers.

According to the press service of the National Police of the region, for USD 950, local residents fictitiously employed those wishing to avoid mobilization at a utility company that is part of the critical infrastructure. Such institutions provide employees with the right to reservation, a temporary exemption from conscription during mobilization.

Photo: Press service of the National Police in Odesa region

According to the investigation, the criminals promised to hire one of the men as a programmer with all the necessary documents. They received part of the money immediately - it was during the bribe transfer that law enforcement officers detained them.

The prosecutor's office added that the court imposed a pre-trial restraint on one of the suspects - detention with the right to post UAH 240,000 bail. The other was placed under nightly house arrest. Both defendants were served with a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - obtaining an undue advantage to influence a decision. The sanction of the article provides for up to five years in prison.

Photo: Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Recently, law enforcement officers detained a member of a civil society organization in the Odesa region who is suspected of extorting $5,000 from a man with a disability so that he would not have "problems" at the territorial center for recruitment and social support.

In July 2024, the Center for Public Investigations made a film "Guarding the Odesa Cauldron " about community groups. It combines three textual investigations about more than 30 civil society organizations, including the NGO "Ukraine is a Mother":

Already in September 2024, after an investigation by the CPR, prosecutors exposed the deputy head of the "Law Enforcement Assistance Unit" for corruption. He is suspected of helping to evade the mobilization of persons liable for military service.

Ірина Глухова

You might also like:

Jan. 9, 2026

The administration of the Odesa "Young Guard" said that they want to take away 11 hectares from the camp

In Odesa, the case of military officers who warned men where TKK groups were sent to court

Schools in Odesa region recommended to extend winter vacation and a week

Oil pollution on Odesa coast will not disrupt tourist season - experts

The former head of the company was served a notice of suspicion of misappropriation of funds for a park in Pivdenne

The new head of the Department of Education in Odesa became a co-owner of 5 hectares last year

Odesa and Kyiv regions share third place in terms of the number of fireworks fans

Former head of forestry department in Odesa region detained for bribe of $25,000

Odesa has not yet started creating a youth hub

Ukrainian Armed Forces strike drones destroy occupants' fuel stocks in Crimea

Former head of Odesa CHP sets his sights on Lysak's deputy

Jan. 8, 2026

Judge of Odesa Prymorskyi Court dismissed after NABU complaint

Ukrzaliznytsia resumes supplying cargo to the ports of Greater Odesa

Russian oil tanker attacked in the Black Sea near Turkey

Billions for roads, checkpoints and water pipes: how the Odesa Region Restoration Service spent money in 2025