Passports were issued remotely in Odesa region: how the scheme worked

In Odesa region, passports were remotely issued to men who were outside Ukraine to avoid mobilization. Migration officials were involved in the scheme.

According to the SBU, special forces detained the head of a district department of the State Migration Service, two of his subordinates, and an official of the Center for the Provision of Administrative Services.

According to the investigation, they received money from men of military age who were abroad and tried to issue passports without returning to Ukraine. Officials issued documents without the physical presence of clients, using their own fingerprints and remotely sent photos. The finished passports were handed over to customers through a network of intermediaries.

(Photo: Security Service of Ukraine)

The cost of the services ranged from 500 to 2,500 USD. During the searches, more than $300,000 and more than 60,000 euros were seized, as well as 200 seals and stamps. In total, more than 150 documents were ordered.

(Photo: Security Service of Ukraine)

Three officials of the Migration Service were fired and notified of suspicion under Article 28, Part 1, Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces and other military formations committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy). The same suspicion was served on the ASC official. The offenders face up to 8 years in prison.

(Photo: Security Service of Ukraine)

"All documents issued with violations will be canceled in accordance with the law. The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime," the SBU said.

Meanwhile, in Odesa, an official of the Primorsky RTC and JV, who organized a scheme to receive money from men who wanted to avoid mobilization, will be tried. The indictment has been sent to court.

Earlier, the State Bureau of Investigation reported the exposure of two female migration officers in Odesa region who supported Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.