Scheme to evade mobilization exposed in Odesa

An official of a territorial recruitment center and his accomplice were detained in Odesa for selling fake summonses for 15,000 hryvnias. Both have been notified of suspicion and face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

This was reported by the press service of the National Police in Odesa region.

An official of a territorial recruitment center and his accomplice were detained in Odesa, suspected of extorting bribes for issuing fake summonses. Both have already been notified of suspicion and pre-trial restraint - they face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

According to the police, the illegal scheme was exposed by investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa region together with the SBU internal security officers. According to the investigation, a 33-year-old head of a supply group of one of the city's shopping centers involved a 56-year-old Odesa resident in criminal activities, who was looking for people to avoid mobilization.

In June, this intermediary introduced the serviceman to a "client" who was offered to buy a fake call for 15 thousand hryvnias. The document allowed him to move freely around the country for a month and avoid military records checks.

Subsequently, the official instructed his accomplice to deliver the summons and receive the money. The latter told the "client" that several more such documents could be issued if necessary, and even offered a one thousand hryvnia discount for his friends.

Law enforcement officers detained both suspects after the military officer handed over six more summonses to the client through an intermediary and received payment for it. After collecting evidence, investigators notified them of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code - obtaining an undue advantage by an official by prior conspiracy.

The court imposed on both defendants custody as a measure of restraint with the right to be released on bail: UAH 1 million for the serviceman and UAH 500,000 for his accomplice.

The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the Odesa Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office. Investigators are identifying all persons involved in the scheme.

Recently, a court in Odesa arrested a military academy inspector suspected of involvement in a scheme to evade mobilization. According to the investigation, he promised to provide a deferment from service and removal from the wanted list.

Анна Бальчінос