SBU neutralises large-scale criminal group specialising in organising schemes for tax evaders, earning UAH 40 million

The Security Service of Ukraine neutralized a large-scale criminal group that specialized in organizing schemes for military service evaders. During special operations in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, 14 people who were directly involved in the implementation of these schemes were detained. informs press service of the department.

During the searches, more than a thousand fake medical certificates and forms of military registration documents intended for men trying to avoid mobilization were seized from the suspects. Also, law enforcement officers found 250 forged seals and stamps, as well as a significant amount of money, which was probably obtained by criminal means.

According to the information of the investigation, the members of the group helped the evaders to avoid the draft by using false documents from the military medical commissions (MMC) confirming their unfitness for service due to their health. To do this, they set up underground printing houses in their own homes, where they produced fake certificates. Then these documents were submitted to the territorial recruitment centers for the removal of evaders from military registration.

The cost of the “services” of criminals was from 8 to 12 thousand dollars for one client. According to the SBU, the criminal group earned more than 40 million hryvnias from its scheme. Criminals used personal connections to find clients, particularly among active military personnel who were trying to make illegal trades from the service.

The SBU officers documented the activities of the group and detained the persons involved at their places of residence. All 14 detainees have already received notices of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular:

• Part 3 of Art. 28, Part 1 of Art. 114-1 (obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine),
• Part 2 of Art. 28, Part 3 of Art. 369-2 (abuse of influence),
• Part 4 of Art. 409 (evasion of military service).

An investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to prosecute all those involved in this scheme. The operation was conducted under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the field of defense of the Prosecutor General’s Office. Perpetrators face up to 10 years in prison.