Kherson health workers sold fake certificates to defer mobilization

In Kherson, two medical workers were exposed who were selling fake certificates to defer mobilization. For their "services" they charged from 700 to 900 USD, promising to issue the necessary documents through the military medical commission.

This is evidenced by the ruling of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.

In Kherson, a scheme was exposed in which officials of medical institutions demanded bribes for fictitious certificates that gave them the right to defer mobilization. According to the investigation, the case involves two healthcare workers who organized a systematic receipt of illegal benefits from citizens.

According to the investigation, the scheme operated throughout 2025. One of the paramedics of the military unit, who later became the acting head of the institution, together with the head of the military medical commission of the Kherson medical institution, offered to issue medical documents for money, which gave grounds for temporary exemption from service.

It all started in February, when the Kherson resident came to undergo a medical examination after receiving a call. There he met a paramedic who promised to help him with the paperwork. Later, she offered to "solve the issue" with a deferral for $700. The man agreed, but later turned to law enforcement and has been under their control ever since.

Over the following months, the woman and her accomplice, a doctor who headed the military medical commission, repeatedly received money from the man for preparing medical reports. The total amount of bribes exceeded two thousand dollars. The investigation found that the women took part of the money to prepare documents not only for the applicant himself, but also for his friend.

In July and August, they again demanded money - first $900, then $700 - for "extending the deferral" and new fictitious medical reports.

Law enforcement officers documented all the episodes of money transfer. The investigative court granted temporary access to the original documents of the military medical commission and records in the state register of conscripts.

Both defendants are suspected of extortion and obtaining an unlawful benefit by prior conspiracy (Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The article provides for up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

In late October, a 65-year-old doctor suspected of helping two men evade mobilization came under investigation in Beryslav district. According to the investigation, she helped the men temporarily avoid being drafted into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The woman, who also works in a local council, was served a notice of suspicion, and a pre-trial investigation is underway.

Анна Бальчінос