The Odesa Specialised Defence Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region has exposed an organised group of military officials who embezzled more than UAH 15.2 million through a «dead souls» scheme. According to the investigation, between 2022 and 2025, people who had not actually served were illegally included in the personnel lists.
Disclosure of the scheme and suspects
Under the procedural supervision of the Odesa Specialised Defence Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region, an organised group of military unit officials was exposed. According to the investigation, in 2022-2025, 19 people who did not actually serve were included in the personnel lists.
The group consisted of the commander of the military unit, his two deputies, the deputy battalion commander - chief of staff, and the company commander. Their subordinates, unaware of the scheme, filed reports on alleged service, which were later used for illegal payments.
The mechanism of embezzlement
According to the investigation, the fictitiously registered persons were paid salaries and additional payments, although they did not perform their official duties. Thus, the group seized over UAH 15.2 million of budget funds.
The offenders transferred the funds received under this scheme to the organisers both in cash and by transferring them to bank accounts. During the searches, law enforcement officers seized documents, draft records, bank cards, cash, weapons, ammunition and other evidence.
Legal qualifications and safeguards
The actions of the suspects are classified under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including abuse of power, forgery, providing undue advantage and aiding in military service evasion.
Pre-trial restraints in the form of detention with an alternative to bail were imposed on all five suspects. According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Context and next steps
The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the Odesa Specialised Defence Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region. Investigative actions are aimed at establishing all the circumstances of the case and possible additional episodes.
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