Ukraine busts draft-dodging ring: 26 medics among arrested
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) uncovered a 29-member criminal group profiting from assisting people in avoiding mobilization. Among those arrested are medical workers. The cost of their services reached up to $20,000.
11:24 AM EDT, October 10, 2024
The SBU and the police conducted an operation in Rivne, a city in western Ukraine, during which they dismantled a criminal group. The head of a local real estate agency and her two associates orchestrated the illegal activities. In the scheme, 26 medical workers were also involved, including officials from the regional center's medical and social expert commissions.
According to the SBU, in exchange for money, the accused helped those evading the draft by providing forged documents that indicated severe heart or nervous system diseases. The cost of such "services" ranged from $15,000 to $20,000 per client.
Ukraine. They paid to avoid military service
To execute their criminal plan, the accused completely falsified medical documentation for individuals avoiding the draft, focusing mainly on fabricating information about their hospitalizations.
Based on these manipulated documents, members of the medical commissions drafted conclusions falsely stating the "patients" incapacity to serve in the military. Through the coordinated activities of the accused, many people could effortlessly avoid mobilization.
To find potential clients, the organizers used established contacts from the real estate agency. The profits were divided among all the criminals, reports the Security Service of Ukraine.
Ukraine. They helped avoid mobilization. They face 5 years in prison
During the searches, investigators discovered over 14 million hryvnias (over $340,000), which were obtained illegally. Additionally, fake medical reports, draft protocols, cell phones, and computer equipment containing evidence of the crime were confiscated.
Those detained were charged with abuse of influence, which could result in a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. The investigation aims to hold accountable all individuals involved in this corrupt scheme. The operation was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Rivne region, in cooperation with the national police, under the watchful eye of the regional prosecutor's office.
