Law enforcement officers' scheme to make money on mobilization exposed in Odesa

Odesa has completed an investigation into two law enforcement officers suspected of making illegal money from men liable for military service. According to the investigation, they took thousands of dollars for the opportunity to avoid going to the military training center.

This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation.

Investigators found that while patrolling the city, law enforcement officers stopped cars and checked drivers' documents. If it turned out that a man was subject to mobilization, he was offered a kind of "service" to avoid being taken to one of the territorial centers for recruitment and social support.

However, this "help" was not free. According to the investigation, the men had to pay money for the opportunity to avoid being taken to the TCC. The amount of money was determined individually, depending on the driver's financial capabilities. The cost of such an illegal "service" started from 2 thousand US dollars.

In February 2026, SBI officers together with the Security Service of Ukraine detained both law enforcement officers. This happened after they, according to the investigation, received another installment of money from one of the drivers.

Both suspects have now been dismissed from law enforcement. The pre-trial investigation has been completed, and the indictment has been submitted to the court for consideration on the merits.

The former law enforcement officers are charged with obtaining an unlawful benefit by an official under Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. If found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison and confiscation of property.

Also in May, police detained a 33-year-old operator of a military unit in Odesa who promised to help resolve the mobilization issue in exchange for 5,000 USD. By influencing RTCC and JV officials, he guaranteed removal from the wanted list and fictitious employment at a critical infrastructure facility with subsequent booking.

Анна Бальчінос