A former military unit commander was detained in Dnipro for organizing a scheme to assist in desertion. According to the State Bureau of Investigation, he and his accomplices helped servicemen leave the service for a monetary reward.
The scheme was organized by an officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who had previously appeared in the case of the fictitious service of a deputy of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council. With his participation, the military were offered the “services” of escaping from the unit and further illegally crossing the border in order to obtain refugee status in Europe. Two civilians were also involved in the scheme — they were responsible for financial calculations and transportation.
In one episode, the accomplices organized the escape of a serviceman from a unit in the Kamianskyi district. The client was supposed to pay 14 thousand US dollars, half of which he handed over on September 9 in Dnipro. The plan was foiled by law enforcement officers.
The former commander already has a criminal record: he was previously found guilty of aiding and abetting evasion of duty and embezzlement of property. The court imposed a probationary sentence, and he was later demoted and removed from office. Despite this, the officer continued his criminal activities.
He was detained in a gambling establishment in Dnipro. During the search, $3,800 was seized from him. Two accomplices were also detained with him. The prosecutor's office is requesting his detention without bail.
The major and his accomplice are suspected of obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and aiding and abetting desertion. Under these articles, they face up to 12 years in prison. Law enforcement officers are investigating other possible episodes of the group's activities and the involvement of other officers.
