The State Bureau of Investigation uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme within the structure of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which allowed for illegal enlistment of male reservists while receiving significant financial payments from interested clients
Closely related to this, several individuals were detained as part of the investigation, including an active officer from one of the central departments of the defense sector, who used his official position to facilitate illegal operations. According to investigators, this officer established a cynical scheme of fictitious reservist enlistment through fake employment arrangements. Using forged documents such as appointment extracts and reservation certificates, he provided false “processing” of men’s status, which did not correspond to reality. The relevant orders issued by him allowed for data to be entered into the Unified State Register of Reservists "Oberih," creating the illusion of legal procedures. Information disclosed during the investigation indicates that over 50 individuals are involved in this system. They evaded civic responsibilities by receiving payments for the “service” of reservation ranging from $8,000 to $10,000. Evidence shows that payments were made in cash, via bank transfers, or even in cryptocurrency—depending on the clients’ convenience. In exchange, “clients” received paper documents and “support,” but no actual effort was made to employ or fulfill official duties on their part. It was also discovered that, formally, men were given the opportunity to avoid conscription and service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, most of them did not actually start working. They remained unnoticed within the Ministry of Defense units, and their “appointments” either lacked official documentation or their data was not transmitted to relevant state registers. Additionally, investigators are checking whether these individuals possibly received substantial salaries from the budget, which further complicates the situation. During the detention of the officer, investigative actions were conducted against his alleged “associates” and officials from territorial recruitment centers. Law enforcement officers carried out searches at his residence, where they seized documents, correspondence, and other materials that may confirm participation in corruption schemes. The detained individual was taken into custody according to procedural procedures and has already been notified of suspicion of accepting improper benefits. Currently, investigators intend to petition the court to select a pre-trial measure in the form of custody for the suspect. According to sources, he may face up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property if proven guilty. Furthermore, investigators continue their efforts to identify all persons involved in this systemic corruption within military and defense structures, not excluding the possibility of participation by officials from other agencies, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine and law enforcement bodies. The investigation of this corruption scheme is ongoing, and investigators hope to fully uncover its scope and expose all officials who contributed to its emergence and existence. This serves as another signal of the need to strengthen oversight and transparency within the country’s defense system to prevent further abuse of official positions for corrupt purposes and to protect state interests from misconduct.