The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the Office of the Prosecutor General, exposed a current member of Volyn Region Council on organizing schemes for draft dodgers.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator is a member of a criminal group headed by the former deputy head of Volyn Region Military Administration, who had previously been detained by the SSU.

The council member provided draft dodgers with forged documents. Using these, the men listed as liable for military service were considered ‘volunteers’ sent abroad by Volyn Region Military Administration to bring  humanitarian aid.

The group charged up to USD 5 000 per a ‘client’.

According to available information, the criminals have illegally transported over 100 draft evaders abroad since 2022.

Based on the evidence collected by the Security Service, the council official has been notified of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 255.2 (participation in a criminal community or criminal organization);
• 28.4, 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU);
• 28.4, 332.3 (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine).

The suspect faces imprisonment for up to 12 years with confiscation of property.