Mykolaiv exposes serviceman of regional military command and control center on extortion

A serviceman of the regional territorial center for recruitment and social support was exposed in Mykolaiv region. According to law enforcement, he demanded $7,000 for "assistance" in evading mobilization.

This was reported by the press service of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region.

Investigators found that in September 2025, the suspect learned about a man who was wanted by the TCC and the JV. Taking advantage of this situation, he offered to "resolve the issue" for USD 7 thousand. The soldier claimed to have allegedly close ties with officials of the regional and district TCCs, as well as with members of the military medical commission.

According to his plan, the person liable for military service had to undergo inpatient treatment and a medical examination, after which he would receive a certificate with the required diagnosis. Such a conclusion would have allowed him to be deferred from mobilization for a period of one year, as well as to be removed from the wanted list.

Having agreed to the offer, the man turned to law enforcement agencies and continued to act under their control. In November 2025, the suspect received the first part of the money - USD 2 thousand. This money was intended for influencing officials of the district military commissariat and the joint venture to remove the serviceman from the wanted list.

In January 2026, the serviceman demanded more money - this time for "resolving the issue" with members of the military medical commission and issuing a fictitious medical report. After receiving USD 500, he was detained in accordance with Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

The court has now imposed a custodial measure of restraint on the suspect. At the same time, an alternative measure of restraint was set for him - bail in the amount of UAH 266 thousand.

Also in January, the SBU uncovered a scheme to evade mobilization in Mykolaiv. The head of the Mykolaiv passenger car depot of Ukrzaliznytsia JSC was suspected. According to the investigation, the depot's management organized a system whereby citizens received employment and documents to avoid conscription in exchange for a bribe. Also, according to the investigation, the official extorted the salaries of some employees and appropriated them for himself.

Анна Бальчінос