In Uzhhorod, the head of an NGO was exposed for organizing a scheme to "reserve" conscripts
Kyiv • UNN
In Uzhhorod, the head of an NGO and a former TCC official were exposed for selling summonses to obtain deferments. The cost of the service ranged from $800 to $2,000 per document.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have dismantled another large-scale mobilization evasion scheme in Zakarpattia. Following comprehensive measures in Uzhhorod, the head of a public association was exposed for "booking" draft dodgers for bribes in cooperation with a former official of a district Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center (TCC). This was reported by the SBU press service, according to UNN.
Details
As the investigation established, the suspects sold clients summonses to appear at the TCC with a date set one month from the moment of "purchasing" the document. This effectively granted them a "deferred" status in the event of credentials being checked by law enforcement officers.
If a new document was required, the organizers of the scheme issued new copies to the draft dodgers for an additional fee. The cost of the "service" ranged from 800 to 2,000 US dollars for the processing of a single summons.
According to the case files, the scheme was organized by the head of a local NGO and a former military officer. Information regarding the involvement of the acting head of the district TCC and his subordinate—an employee of one of the departments of the restricted facility—is currently being verified,
SBU officers documented the fact of one of the "tranches" being handed over to the organizers of the crime.
During searches at the residences and workplaces of the suspects, documentation and mobile phones containing evidence of the crimes were discovered.
Currently, the detainees have been notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Art. 27 and Part 3 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — aiding in the acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an improper benefit by an official.
There are plans to notify all participants of the scheme of suspicion. The perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.