Scheme to enroll students to avoid mobilization exposed in Odesa

Law enforcement officers in Odesa are investigating a scheme to illegally enroll students of military age during martial law. Officials of higher education institutions, according to the investigation, may have received bribes to help young men avoid mobilization.

This is stated in the ruling of the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa.

The judge considered the investigator's motion to seize property in the case of abuse of office. The investigation found that officials of Odesa higher education institutions illegally enrolled men of military age.

According to the investigation, this was a way for students to get a deferral from mobilization, and for officials of educational institutions to receive bribes.

The investigation identified a specific teacher at the Private Lyceum Praobrazh LLC who formally worked at the lyceum but was actually engaged in other activities, such as truck repair. The Pension Fund confirmed that the latter was paid both at the lyceum and at Service Truck 7+1 LLC.

In late January, investigators conducted a search at one of the educational institutions, during which law enforcement officers seized items and documents, including: official documents, employment orders, time sheets, personal files and other materials that could confirm the fact of illegal enrollment of students.

The judge ruled to return the motion to the prosecutor to eliminate the deficiencies within 72 hours, after which it may be reconsidered. Currently, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officers are checking all those involved in the illegal enrollment of students outside the specified timeframe and possible financial benefits of the officials.

In February, two Odesa residents came under investigation for helping to find employment and make reservations at a critical enterprise. They demanded $3,000 for the promise to prepare documents for a military deferment.

Анна Бальчінос