The State Bureau of Investigation reported the exposure of a large-scale mobilization evasion scheme in the Dnipropetrovsk region. One of the heads of the regional military medical commission (VLK) and a former nurse of a local hospital are involved in the criminal activity. According to the investigation, they forged medical documents, which allowed men of draft age to avoid service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The scheme was organized by a former medical worker. Together with a VLK official, she sought out those willing to “skip” the army and sold them fake certificates of chronic illnesses or other diagnoses. The cost of the “services” ranged from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the urgency and financial capabilities of the conscript.
According to preliminary estimates, at least 60 people avoided mobilization thanks to forged documents. Some of them were tried to be “taken away” directly from the territorial recruitment centers when they were already supposed to go to training units — in such cases, the schemes also included giving bribes to TCC employees.
During the searches, about $70,000 in cash, dozens of falsified medical reports, military conscript documents, and even doctors' official seals were seized from the suspects.
The former nurse is suspected under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, aiding and abetting in obtaining an unlawful benefit, and giving a bribe to an official. The VLK official is charged with receiving and giving an unlawful benefit.
The issue of a preventive measure in the form of detention is currently being resolved. The investigation is ongoing - law enforcement officers are identifying other possible participants in the corruption scheme.
