Ukraine breaks up nine nationwide mobilisation-evasion schemes photo

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have dismantled nine schemes used to evade mobilisation across the country, detaining organisers in several regions, including Kyiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Ivano-Frankivsk, Rivne, Odesa, and Bukovyna.

According to the SBU, the schemes offered draft evaders illegal services for money, from forged disability documents to covert transportation across the western border outside official checkpoints.

In Kyiv, an organiser running an interregional smuggling route to the EU was detained while attempting to move a client. Similar smuggling attempts were uncovered in Bukovyna, Rivne, and Odesa.

In the Cherkasy region, a university deputy dean was arrested for accepting bribes to enrol individuals as students to secure mobilisation deferments, while others in the region sold fake medical certificates. In Poltava, several medical officials were exposed for unlawfully extending disability status.

In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, a repeat offender under house arrest continued moving draft-eligible men to neighbouring countries; he was detained while transporting a deserter from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Two local recruitment officials were also implicated in organising illegal crossings through mountainous terrain.

All detained suspects face charges related to illegal border crossings, bribery, and abuse of influence, with penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and asset confiscation.

By Tamilla Hasanova