The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have dismantled yet another large-scale scheme to evade mobilisation in Zakarpattia. As a result of the operation in Uzhhorod, the head of a public organisation and a former official of the district Territorial Recruitment Centre have been exposed. They provided fake ‘reservations’ from conscription to draft evaders in exchange for bribes.

The investigation revealed that the suspects sold summonses to appear at the TRC with a date one month after the ‘purchase’ of the document. This effectively granted them ‘reservation’ status in the event of a verification of their records by the law enforcement.

If a new document was needed, the organisers of the scheme issued new copies to draft dodgers for an additional fee. The cost of the ‘service’ ranged from USD 800 to 2,000 per summons.

The scheme was organised by the head of a local NGO and a former military officer. Information regarding the involvement of the acting head of the district TRC and his subordinate is currently being verified.

The SSU documented the transfer of one of the ‘installments’ to the organisers of the crime.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes and offices, documentation and mobile phones containing evidence of the crimes have been discovered.

The detainees have been notified of their status as suspects under Article 27.5 and 368.3 of the CCU (aiding and abetting a public official in accepting a proposal, promise, or receiving an unlawful benefit).

It is planned to notify all participants in the scheme of the charges against them. The perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Zakarpattia Specialised Defence Prosecutor’s Office for the Western Region.