In Odesa region, migration service employees organized a scheme for draft dodgers

In Odesa region, migration service employees organized a scheme for draft dodgers

The counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine, together with the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Migration Service, eliminated a large-scale scheme to evade mobilization in the Odesa region, organized by employees of the migration service. For money, they remotely processed documents for those liable for military service, which allowed them to avoid updating data in the TRC and SS and not return to Ukraine.

This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Security Service of Ukraine

"According to the investigation, the head of the local district department of the State Migration Service organized a scheme to evade mobilization of military personnel located outside the territory of Ukraine."

The suspects issued Ukrainian passports to men for travel abroad without their personal involvement. When preparing the documents, they took their own fingerprints and made photographs from a remotely sent photograph. The finished passports were transferred to customers through intermediaries.

It is noted that this allowed men liable for military service not to return to the territory of Ukraine, not to register and not to update their data in the TRC and SS.

 

photo: SSU

The cost of such services ranged from $500 to $2,500, depending on the urgency. Law enforcement officers conducted more than 50 searches at the suspects’ places of work and residence, seizing:

• more than 300 thousand US dollars and more than 60 thousand euros, probably obtained through criminal means;
• about 200 seals and stamps that were used in the "scheme".

 

Photo: Office of the Attorney General

According to the investigation, the attackers received orders for the remote execution of more than 150 documents.

Based on the evidence collected, the Security Service investigators reported suspicion to the head and two specialists of one of the departments of the Main Directorate of the State Migration Service in Odesa Oblast, an official of the regional division of the Center for the Provision of Administrative Services, and two accomplices.

 

photo: SSU

They are charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period (Part 2 of Article 28 Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). An investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The perpetrators face up to 8 years in prison.

It is reported that all documents issued in violation of the law will be cancelled in accordance with the procedure.