The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have uncovered a large-scale mobilization evasion scheme involving a prominent Kyiv lawyer. The SBU report states that the defendant organized the sale of fictitious documents to avoid conscription and illegally travel abroad.
The lawyer, founder of a well-known law firm in Kyiv, using his professional position, provided services for the preparation of forged documents. The cost of such “services” ranged from 3 thousand to 50 thousand US dollars, depending on the urgency of the order. The greatest demand was for medical certificates of the Military Medical Corps stating that they were unfit for service due to health reasons, in particular due to the presence of I-II disability groups. Clients did not undergo a military medical commission, and received “documents for discharge” directly at the lawyer’s office.
To disguise his activities, the lawyer concluded an official legal assistance agreement with clients. In addition, he also offered assistance in legalization abroad, issuing fictitious documents about studying at foreign higher educational institutions.
A lawyer was caught red-handed in his office while receiving $45,000 from a client who was trying to evade military service. During the searches, law enforcement officers found fictitious documents worth over $244,000. Over 130 personal files of clients were also seized.
The lawyer was informed of the suspicion under Part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for the illegal smuggling of persons across the state border. This article provides for up to 9 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. An investigation is currently underway to establish all the circumstances of the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
