Ukraine's security service raid in Odesa detains military recruitment officers VIDEO/photo

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has carried out a raid in the southern city of Odesa, targeting staff of a Territorial Recruitment Centre (TCC), following allegations of illegal conscription practices and extortion.

According to local outlet Odessa INFO, SBU officers opened fire on a vehicle carrying TCC personnel during the operation, which unfolded on a public road. Several individuals were subsequently detained.

Reports claim that during the search, authorities seized batons, brass knuckles and cash from the detained recruitment staff. Prior to the arrest, some of those involved allegedly engaged in a physical altercation inside a minibus.

One TCC staff member reportedly attempted to flee during the operation but was later apprehended following a brief exchange of gunfire.

The Odesa Regional Military Recruitment Office confirmed the detention of its employees in comments to TSN, stating that it was still gathering information and had dispatched senior officials to the scene to clarify the circumstances.

Unverified reports suggest the incident stemmed from an alleged attempt by recruitment officers from the Peresyp branch of the TCC to forcibly conscript a local man. After detaining him, the officers allegedly demanded $30,000 despite the individual reportedly having legal grounds for deferment and allegedly threatened him with weapons.

According to these accounts, the man agreed to cooperate and later contacted the SBU, prompting a special operation that led to the arrests.

By Sabina Mammadli