In the Rivne region, employees of the State Bureau of Investigation have uncovered a corruption scheme that allowed servicemen to avoid being sent to combat zones for bribes. The case involves two people — a former official with local connections and her nephew, a soldier. The pre-trial investigation has been completed, and the indictment has been submitted to the court.
According to the investigation, the initiator of the scheme was a woman who previously held a leading position in the region. Thanks to her authority and connections, she offered her nephew, a current serviceman in the rear, to “help” those who wanted to avoid the front line. For 5 thousand US dollars from each serviceman, their names were removed from the lists for business trips to the combat zone.
The nephew was responsible for finding clients and transferring money, and his aunt was responsible for “resolving the issue” at the military unit level. The scheme worked until one of the soldiers informed law enforcement officers about the offer to escape the front for a bribe.
During the investigation, the man admitted his guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. He has already appeared in court, given incriminating testimony, and resigned from the army. His aunt also admitted her involvement, but denied that she transferred funds to officials — according to her, she only “asked” for military personnel she knew personally. However, the evidence collected indicates her active participation in the criminal scheme.
The State Bureau of Investigation conducted searches at the military unit, seizing official documents. Investigators continue to analyze the materials to identify all individuals involved in the corruption mechanism.
The pensioner was charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - offering an illegal benefit with the aim of influencing an official, committed by a group of persons. She faces up to 5 years in prison.
