The Ukrainian National Police has charged a group of individuals, including a former Minister of Culture, with involvement in a criminal scheme that allowed men of conscription age to travel abroad illegally under the guise of music tours.
- The National Police have charged a group of individuals with illegally leaving the country.
- The scheme used music tours as a cover to evade conscription.
- Those involved in the scheme set up crypto wallets for financial transactions.
- The investigation is ongoing under the direction of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
Uncovering a criminal scheme
Investigators from the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine have uncovered a criminal scheme that allowed men of conscription age to travel abroad under the pretence of taking part in music tours. In April this year, investigators from the National Police’s Main Investigation Department, under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General, charged the businesswoman who organised this scheme.
According to the investigation, lists of members of music groups were submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine. It was stated that these groups intended to support Ukraine through their charity performances abroad. However, as it transpired, this was merely a cover for illegal emigration.
Expanding the circle of suspects
Further investigation revealed that other individuals were also involved in the criminal scheme, including the former acting Minister of Culture of Ukraine. According to the investigation, the official signed letters of support that were provided to enable the musicians to travel abroad. Four other individuals were also actively seeking clients and discussing the terms of the «tours», which posed a threat to national security.
“This scheme shows how the cultural sector can be exploited to evade conscription,” the National Police stated.
Financial transactions and cryptocurrencies
Members of the criminal group registered a number of crypto wallets and opened accounts with financial institutions, which enabled them to carry out financial transactions without proper oversight. This made it difficult to identify and put a stop to their activities.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police are continuing to gather evidence in order to bring all those involved to justice.
