Russian conscripts turn to bribes to escape from war duties
Russian civilians are resorting to all measures possible to avoid military conscription. In cases where they end up conscripted, there exists a system that allows these men to buy their way back home. However, the cost is rarely affordable as it often requires a substantial bribe, amounting to around $13,230.
The Novaya Gazeta Europa portal has reported on the rampant corruption permeating the frontlines. The article quotes the mother of an enlisted Russian soldier, as well as a motorized infantry officer.
Pay $50,000 for a Fictitious Injury
A "contusion," or a fabricated injury convincing enough for a hospital admission, costs between 10,000 and 50,000 dollars. The fees vary according to both military rank and location at the front. The cost for a leave of absence ranges from 5,000 to 50,000 dollars. To expedite one's rotation or to be transferred to a different sector of the front, soldiers would have to pay between 500 and 3000 dollars.
Formally, for injuries incurred on the frontlines, the Russian Ministry of Defense reimburses soldiers. This remains true, oddly enough, for cases when the "injury" is a result of a bribe given to a superior, as the NGJ reports.
The NGJ site quotes a voice message sent by an active Russian soldier to his mother. He is part of the Sztorm-Z units, comprised of convicts and soldiers penalized for disciplinary infractions. In the message, the soldier claims his unit is yet to see combat due to "multi-million dollar bribes," and has remained stationary for six months. Furthermore, he reveals former convicts "purchased" their safety, but even they were duped by the Ministry of Defense, receiving only half the promised salary.
Corruption in the military was a problem long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even back then, commanders would grant leaves of absence or bonuses in exchange for bribes, with an unwritten condition for subordinates to "share" it, NGJ emphasizes.
