The SSU has shut down another scheme of mobilization evasion and illegal departure of conscription-aged men abroad.

As a result of the operation in Kyiv region, the SSU detained three perpetrators who sold fake certificates of ‘employees of honorary consulates of foreign countries in Ukraine’ to draft dodgers.

The falsifiers entered personal data of their ‘clients’ into the IDs and added their photographs.

The counterfeits were of high quality and closely resembled standard diplomatic certificates.

Having purchased the fake documents, the draft evaders used them to mislead representatives of military registration and enlistment offices and evade conscription.

The organizers of the scheme also advised the men on how to illegally cross the border using the fakes.

The ‘full package’ cost USD 10,000 per person.

According to the investigation, the counterfeiters made the false IDs in a clandestine printing house, which they organized in a production facility of their acquaintances.

The SSU apprehended three organizers ‘red-handed’ after they received money for arranging a draft evader’s escape abroad.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes and the illegal workshop, the SSU found the fake documents, mobile phones, computer and other equipment used in the crime.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy);
• 15.3, 332.3 (attempted illegal transfer of persons across Ukraine’s state border).

The investigation to bring to justice all persons involved in the scheme is underway. The suspects face up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.