Odesa extends arrest of official on suspicion of issuing fake summonses

In Odesa, a court extended the arrest of the head of a group to support civil-military cooperation on suspicion of a scheme to evade mobilization. According to the investigation, he and his accomplices issued fake calls and medical documents for money.

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

According to the investigation, the official acted as part of an organized group that helped conscripts avoid conscription under martial law for money. To do this, they used fake calls, forged medical documents and other certificates that created the appearance of legal grounds for postponing mobilization or allowing free movement.

During a meeting with a confidential employee, one of the participants in the scheme suggested looking for "clients" for whom fake medical documents could be issued. The cost of such a service was 4 thousand US dollars. The money received, according to the investigation, was transferred to another participant, who influenced officials to issue a deferral on the basis of these documents.

The scheme, as established by law enforcement officers, also involved a traumatologist from the private clinic Med&Art. According to the investigation, he, along with other doctors, produced fictitious medical certificates and organized surgical interventions without medical indications. Later, these documents were used as a basis for exemption from conscription.

In addition, according to the court, the investigation revealed that the defendants involved employees of the Faraday MRI Center. Prior to the "registration" of fictitious operations, conscripts were sent for examination to this center. The investigation also established links between the suspects and an intern at a private clinic whose mother is the founder of the MRI center.

In particular, one of the witnesses said that he was offered an illegal summons for one month for 15 thousand hryvnias, which allowed him to avoid mobilization. Another witness stated that he was present during the transfer of money for such a "service".

The suspect's defense insisted that the risks were exaggerated, and the official himself had a permanent place of residence, so they asked to change the measure of restraint to house arrest. The suspect supported the position of his lawyer.

The court granted the investigation's request and extended the suspect's detention until January 30, 2026. The bail amount of UAH 399,696 was left unchanged. If the bail is granted, the suspect will be subject to procedural obligations.

Investigators also brought to court the case of the deputy head of the district center for staffing and social support, who is accused of extortion and receiving a bribe during his temporary performance of the duties of the head. According to the investigation, he demanded USD 3,000 from a person liable for military service who had violated the rules of military registration for removal from the register of wanted persons.

Анна Бальчінос