SBU Uncovers Medical Group in Cherkasy Involved in Draft Evasion Schemes

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has conducted a successful operation that led to the exposure of a substantial draft evasion scheme in Cherkasy. This scheme was organized by local medical personnel who, for a certain fee, offered conscripts the opportunity to obtain fake medical certificates indicating poor health, thereby allowing them to avoid military service.

According to information provided by the SBU, the perpetrators offered conscripts the chance to undergo fictitious inpatient treatment for a fee starting at $4,000. This information was disclosed on the Ukrainian security service's Telegram channel on Thursday. The organizer of this scheme was identified as the head of a regional branch of a nationwide medical company, who enlisted the help of six other doctors from various specialties and emergency medical staff.

The investigation revealed that the medical professionals proposed to conscripts that they undergo 'inpatient treatment' through a fabricated hospitalization, which was arranged via emergency calls to the number 103. When an emergency call was made by the draft evader, 'appropriate' emergency medical personnel would arrive, who would 'on paper' facilitate the admission of the patient to a medical center, allowing them to evade military service.

Subsequently, doctors in specialized departments falsified tests and examination results for clients to prepare a package of documents that confirmed the presence of serious illnesses. Based on these documents, the criminals would grant conscripts the status of unfit for military service.

SBU employees apprehended the scheme's organizer during the transfer of part of a bribe from a client. During searches at the workplaces and residences of all individuals involved in the case, rough notes, medical documentation, and smartphones containing evidence of illegal activities were discovered.

Currently, investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine have informed all participants in the scheme of their suspicion of committing crimes under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In particular, this includes part 2 of article 28, part 1 of article 114-1, which pertains to obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, committed by a group of individuals in collusion; part 2 of article 369-2, which relates to abuse of influence; as well as part 3 of article 358, covering forgery of documents and the use of forged documents, also committed by a group of individuals in collusion.

Two of the individuals involved are already in custody, while the decision regarding the application of a preventive measure in the form of detention for other participants in the scheme is currently being resolved. Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU employees in the Cherkasy region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office, which underscores the seriousness and scale of this case.