SBI detains police officer in Odesa region on scheme for reluctant to mobilize

SBI officers jointly with border guards uncovered and stopped a scheme to smuggle men of military age across the state border to Moldova. A law enforcement officer was among the organizers, and his monthly income exceeded $80,000.

This was reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation.

According to investigators, at the end of 2024, the law enforcement officer and a civilian accomplice organized a channel for the departure of men liable for military service abroad. They charged $5,000 each for the "service," and their monthly income, according to preliminary estimates, exceeded $80,000.

Photo: State Bureau of Investigation

The men were driven to the border, bypassing official checkpoints, where they were met by accomplices on the Moldovan side. There, they helped to legalize their stay through fake stamps in documents.

The organizerof the scheme tried to involve another law enforcement officer, offering him money for information about border guards' duty schedules. However, he refused and immediately reported the illegal actions.

On May 25, 2025, the SBI detained the offenders during another smuggling attempt - this time two men. The law enforcement officers sent the men with military service to the TCC and the JV.

As for the organizers, they were served a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - organization of illegal transportation of persons across the state border. The defendants face up to 9 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, all those involved are being identified.

Recently, law enforcement officers detained two foreign drivers at the border in Odesa region on suspicion of smuggling Ukrainians liable for military service abroad. Meanwhile, in Odesa, law enforcement officers exposed a man who was selling positions in the military. For $35,000, he could not only avoid mobilization but also stop a trial for serious crimes.

Ірина Глухова