Together with the NABU, the SSU shut down a large-scale corruption scheme in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Town and District Court of Odesa region. For USD 3,500 the court issued decisions that allowed mobilization-aged men to evade the conscription and go abroad.

Court officials and intermediaries were involved in the scheme.

According to the investigation, the unlawful mechanism had been in operation since mid-April 2022. During this period, the suspects managed to ‘formalize’ over 1,000 decisions in favour of persons liable for military service.

The scheme consisted of making decisions in the court that fictitiously determined the place of minor children’s residence with the men. This gave the conscripts the right to evade mobilization and go abroad.

To organizers involved a lawyer who sought out clients and acted as an intermediary, meeting them and handing over the bribes.

To find draft dodgers, the court officials posted ads on Instagram and Facebook.

The SSU and the NABU documented one of the judges receive the bribe.

The detained official has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 368.3 of the CCU (acceptance of an offer, promise or receipt of an unlawful benefit by an official).

The investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances of the crime and bring all those involved to justice.

The offence is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.