Odesa convicts military man for corruption scheme with TRO

In Odesa, a court found a serviceman guilty. He and his accomplice demanded $4,000 for "influencing" enrollment in a volunteer territorial defense unit.

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

According to the investigation, the scheme emerged in the summer of 2025. The soldier, acting in collusion with an acquaintance, decided to make money from those wishing to join the units of the Phoenix Volunteer Community Defense Force. They persuaded potential candidates that they could influence the decision of the commander of the volunteer formation and guarantee enrollment.

The first "deal" was offered to the man during a personal meeting in Odesa in August last year. They demanded 4 thousand US dollars for their "services". The scheme of distribution of funds was determined in advance: 3 thousand dollars were to be received by the serviceman, and another 1 thousand by his accomplice.

The victim agreed to the offer, provided his data and even a photo of himself in uniform. However, he later turned to law enforcement and began to act under their control.

The very next day, the accused's accomplice received the first part of the money - 2 thousand dollars. During subsequent meetings, the offenders continued to convince the man of their capabilities and demanded the second part of the amount.

In September 2025, during the transfer of another $2000, law enforcement officers documented the crime. The accomplice was detained and the money was seized. The scheme was actually disrupted at the final stage.

In court, the accused fully admitted his guilt. He confirmed that he and his acquaintance had planned to obtain the money under the guise of fictitious influence on the command. He also expressed remorse and asked not to be punished severely.

The court found the serviceman guilty and sentenced him to 2 years in prison, but commuted the sentence to 2 years of service restrictions with 10% of his salary deducted to the state. The convict was also banned from being promoted in service and military rank while serving his sentence.

Also in April, a sergeant was exposed in Odesa region who valued quiet service without combat at $15,000. According to the investigation, in March 2023, a senior sergeant of the 35th Security and Maintenance Platoon of the South Operational Command organized a scheme to illegally earn money from conscripts.

Анна Бальчінос