High-ranking Defense Ministry official detained for suspected involvement in illegal smuggling schemes across Ukraine’s borders
Law enforcement officers in Lviv region have detained a deputy colonel of the legal department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense on September 18 as part of an investigation into a complex corruption scheme aimed at illegally transporting servicemen across the state’s border.
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General and the police of Lviv region, the senior official attempted to organize the transfer of a man abroad for a bribe of $12,000 USD.
Moreover, he promised to intervene in the decision-making process related to removing the individual from wanted status at the regional military commissariat (RTsК and SP), including arranging a fake deferral from mobilization due to his care for a wife with a disability.According to prosecutors, the detained person is a 45-year-old resident of Odessa, suspected of collaborating in this illegal scheme.
Law enforcement officials documented receiving an initial amount of $4,500 and subsequently another $12,000.
After the second installment was received, the suspect was detained pursuant to Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
Investigations are ongoing to identify other potential accomplices involved in this criminal activity.The suspect has been notified of suspicion under Article 332 Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — organizing illegal border crossing.
The maximum penalty for this offense is up to nine years in prison with a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years, along with confiscation of assets.
The court is being asked to select a preventive measure and suspend the suspect from official duties.Photo: National Police of Ukraine