The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has uncovered a corruption scheme that allowed men abroad to apply for international passports without having to register for military service in Ukraine. The SBU press service reports this.
The head of the district department of the migration service, two of his subordinates, and an official of the regional center for administrative services (CNAP) were detained. According to law enforcement, this scheme operated in the Odessa region.
According to the investigation, the officials used their personal fingerprints and photos, which were sent remotely, to issue passports. The finished documents were transferred through intermediaries. The cost of this “service” ranged from 500 to 2,500 US dollars.
Thus, men could avoid returning to Ukraine and registering for military service, creating serious problems for military obligations and undermining national security.
The SBU announced that all documents already issued will be canceled. Law enforcement officers are continuing their investigation to identify all individuals involved in this illegal activity.
