22 April 2026
(PHOTO: naglyad.org)
An illegal scheme to facilitate obtaining a driver's license was exposed in Odesa. An employee of the Odesa Port Plant promised to influence officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center for a reward.
This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.
According to the case file, the events unfolded in May 2025. The man, seeking to make money, offered his friend to assist in obtaining a category B driver's license. He assured that he had the necessary connections in the territorial service center and driving schools and could ensure the successful completion of both theoretical and practical exams.
The cost of this "help" was $1,750. This amount included not only assistance during the exams, but also formal registration at the driving school and training. Communication between the parties lasted about a month - through personal meetings and correspondence in the messenger. The defendant provided detailed instructions on how to prepare documents, how to behave during the exams, and how to transfer money.
In June 2025, the man arrived at the service center on Aeroportovska Street in Odesa, where he successfully passed the theoretical exam with organized assistance. After that, the parties agreed to transfer part of the money.
On the same day, the meeting took place at a SOCAR gas station, where the suspect received USD 1,100. At that moment, he was detained by law enforcement officers. The transfer of funds was controlled - imitation bills were used, and the process was recorded.
During the trial, the key evidence was the recordings of conversations, the results of control over the commission of the crime and the applicant's testimony. The defendant pleaded guilty and repented.
As a result, he was fined UAH 45,900. However, due to the previous sentence for mobilization evasion, the punishment was combined - the man finally received 3 years in prison together with a fine.
In addition, he was charged with more than 25 thousand hryvnias for the cost of conducting examinations. The physical evidence, including the counterfeit money, is to be destroyed, and the cell phone will be returned to its owner. Until the verdict enters into force, the defendant will be held in custody with the possibility of bail. The court also ordered the return of UAH 120,000 to the bail bondsman.
Also in March, Odesa exposed the sale of rescue squad certificates to avoid mobilization. The men were promised to "resolve the issue" of conscription through influence on the TCC.
Анна Бальчінос