The Security Service of Ukraine eliminated another scheme to avoid mobilisation in Kyiv region. The organisers, under the guise of charitable foundations, offered fictitious employment or smuggling across the border for USD 16,000.
Details of the SBU special operation
Pros. information The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) neutralised a criminal group in the Kyiv region that organised mobilisation evasion under the guise of charitable foundations. According to the agency, the scheme involved two heads of local foundations and their accomplice, an unemployed Kyiv resident who was looking for clients.
The criminals offered several options for avoiding conscription for a monetary reward. These included fictitious employment at critical infrastructure enterprises for obtaining a deferred payment and illegal trafficking across the western border of Ukraine outside official checkpoints.
How the scheme worked
The investigation found that for $16,000, the organisers «booked» evaders or helped them flee the country. One way was to arrange fictitious employment at strategic enterprises, which allowed them to obtain a legal deferral from mobilisation. Another option was to organise an illegal border crossing with the help of guides in the border regions who knew the bypass routes through mountains and water bodies.
The detention took place after the transfer of a part of the bribe from the client. During the searches of the suspects' residences and vehicles, the law enforcement seized forged documents, electronic media and other evidence of illegal activity.
Criminal liability and further actions
The detainees were served suspicion notices of part 3 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - illegal trafficking of persons across the state border committed by an organised group. The offenders face up to 9 years in prison with confiscation of property. The issue of choosing a measure of restraint is currently being decided, and the investigation is ongoing to identify all persons involved in the scheme.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Bucha District Prosecutor's Office of Kyiv.
Why it matters
The exposure of such schemes is a fundamental issue for Ukrainian law enforcement during a full-scale war. Mobilisation discipline and fairness in conscription remain critical to the country's defence capability. The systematic fight against illegal channels of mobilisation evasion has not only legal but also social resonance, as it undermines trust in the institution of charity and threatens national security.
