In the HERO city of Odessa, suspected individuals involved in criminal schemes of faked mobilization documents were detained for $35,000
Law enforcement officers in the Odessa region have uncovered and detained the organizer of an illegal scheme involving the creation of fictitious mobilization documents aimed at evading justice and avoiding criminal responsibility for men of conscription age. The suspect, believed to be a citizen, was apprehended during a special operation while receiving part of the illicit proceeds—approximately $35,000 USD. According to official information released by the Odessa Regional Prosecutor’s Office, investigators found that the suspect actively offered potential clients a service to officially register them at the military commissariat to obtain fake documents purportedly certifying their inability to fulfill military duty. The investigation reveals that this scheme involved producing imitation mobilization measures to simulate a person's mobilization. Additionally, the organizer promised to reduce or completely eliminate criminal liability for clients committing serious crimes or to align with legal procedures that complicated their criminal prosecution. Sources report that the man assured potential clients of having special contacts within the military commissariat, judicial authorities, and military units in the city. This enabled him to guarantee quick and secure processing of all necessary documents, as well as to ensure their legal issuance, all without serving in a combat zone or engaging in actual mobilization activities. The criminal «group» was caught «red-handed» during the receipt of the first installment of the scheme’s payment—approximately $17,000 USD. The suspect is charged with extortion and illegal obtaining of benefits with influence peddling, according to part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for criminal liability for extorting illegal benefits using official influence. Currently, a court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of detention for the suspect; however, he has the right to pay a bail to be released on personal recognizance. Law enforcement agencies are conducting investigative actions to identify potential accomplices and other individuals involved in this criminal scheme, which threatens not only the safety and lawful interests of citizens but also undermines trust in the military and judicial institutions of the region. Overall, this case of fake mobilization highlights the complexity of modern criminal challenges in the fields of security and justice, where criminals attempt to undermine society through schemes connected with military recruitment offices and courts. Police and prosecutor’s office interventions must become active and systematic to prevent such abuses and protect citizens’ rights.