In Odesa region, the SSU exposed another mobilization evasion scheme.

As a result of the operation, the SSU apprehended a former deacon of Odesa diocese of moscow patriarchate’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. For money, he ‘helped’ potential conscripts to travel to a European state as ‘church clerics’.

To operate the scheme, the organizer forged ‘lists of missionaries’ who were supposed to travel abroad on behalf of the diocese head and the religious community.

The fraudster then submitted the fake documents to the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Speech with far-fetched ‘reasons’ for the pseudo-clergymen to make a trip outside Ukraine.

The price for a ‘place on the list’ started at USD 4,500, depending on the men’s urgency of departure and financial capabilities.

In this way, the ex-cleric tried to smuggle six draft evaders abroad. However, the SSU uncovered the scheme and detained him ‘red-handed’.

During the searches at the suspect’s home, the SSU found:

• computers, mobile phones and SIM cards with evidence of the offence;
• proceeds of crime.

The detained individual was served a notice of suspicion under Article 332.3 of the CCU (illegal transfer of persons across Ukraine’s state border).

The suspect is in custody, facing up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property. The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Odesa region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Malynovskyi District Prosecutor’s Office of Odesa city.