The Security Service of Ukraine has dismantled a significant mobilization evasion scheme in Kyiv, orchestrated by the founder of a prominent law firm along with five accomplices, including lawyers and their aides.
As established by the investigation, the suspects formed a group to profit from illegal ‘evasion schemes’.
They sold fake certificates of disability for relatives and the need for care to potential conscripts, charging between €6,500 and €45,000.
With these forged documents, one group of clients could escape military service, while another received deferments during special periods.
Since the beginning of 2024, the organizers have unlawfully removed over 300 conscription-age individuals from military records across eight regions of Ukraine.
The organizer arranged the creation of false medical documents, while his accomplices sought clients and handled money transfers.
Law enforcement has apprehended all participants in the scheme.
During the search, they discovered a price list, forged certificates, and notes that provided evidence of illegal activities.
- Art. 255 (creation and participation in a criminal organization);
- Part 2 Art. 28, Part 1 Art. 114-1 (obstruction of lawful activities of the Armed Forces during a special period);
- Part 5 Art. 27, Art. 336 (aiding conscripts in evading military service during mobilization);
- Part 5 Art. 27, Part 4 Art. 409 (aiding a serviceman in evading duty through document forgery during martial law).
The perpetrators face up to 12 years in prison with asset forfeiture. The investigation continues to hold all participants of the criminal scheme accountable. The operation was conducted by the SBU in Kyiv and the Kyiv region under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the defense sector.
