Security Service of Ukraine detains official of the Ministry of Justice for $20 thousand for evading mobilization
4 October 2025 00:03
The Security Service of Ukraine has exposed a corruption scheme to evade mobilization, which, according to the investigation, was organized by one of the heads of the Central Interregional Department of the Ministry of Justice. This was reported by the SBU press service, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The scheme for $20 thousand
The official offered those wishing to evade mobilization “assistance” in deregistration. To do this, he promised to issue fictitious medical reports on the alleged “inability to serve for health reasons.”
In addition, for a fee, he guaranteed the possibility of “deleting” personal data of clients from the search databases of territorial recruitment centers.
The cost of such services was 20 thousand US dollars. According to investigators, the official used his personal connections in medical institutions of the capital and military enlistment offices.
Detention red-handed
Law enforcement officers documented several facts of illegal activity. The official was detained while receiving a part of the bribe he demanded for “writing off” a military registration evader.
He has already been served a notice of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- ч. 3 of Article 15, Part 1 of Article 114-1 – attempt to obstruct the activities of the Armed Forces and other military formations;
- ч. 3 of Art. 369-2 – obtaining an unlawful benefit for oneself or a third party for influencing the decision of an official, combined with extortion.
The detainee faces up to eight years in prison with confiscation of property.
Investigative actions are ongoing – the SBU is identifying other persons who may have been involved in the scheme.
Response of the Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice responded promptly to the detention of the official. The ministry said it condemns any manifestation of corruption, especially those that undermine the state’s defense capabilities.
“We adhere to the principle of zero tolerance for such actions,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry of Justice clarified that the detainee did not use his official position to organize a criminal scheme, but acted through personal connections outside his authority.
The Ministry promised to fully assist law enforcement agencies in conducting a transparent and objective investigation.
