Ukrainian Cops Bust Network That Helped Draft Dodgers Cross Border With Fake Documents For USD 7,000

Ukrainian police say that they have dismantled a network centred around the port city of Odesa that helped draft dodgers cross the border out of Ukraine with fake documents for USD 7,000 a head.

The footage shows one of the suspects being read her rights and detained by the Ukranian authorities, before a home is seen being searched. Large sums of money can then be seen being displayed by the investigators.

Three people were arrested. They reportedly face nine years in prison if convicted.

The images were obtained from the Ukrainian police for the Mykolaiv region on Thursday, 9th February, along with a statement saying: "For a monetary reward of USD 6,500-7,000 (GBP 5,350 - 5,770), the members of the criminal group produced a package of documents that allowed men of draft age to cross the state border without hindrance.

"The investigators declared suspicion under part 3 of Article 3 of the article. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and the court chose a preventive measure for them in the form of detention. Perpetrators face up to nine years in prison.

"The investigators (detectives) of the investigative department of the regional police together with the operatives of the Department of Strategic Investigations in the Mykolaiv Region of the National People's Democratic Party of Ukraine, exposed the illegal activities of the group of Odesa residents under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office and the force support of the Department of Strategic Investigations of the NPU.

"During the investigation, the law enforcement officers found out that three suspects, aged from 30 to 52 years, including two women, organized the production of a package of fictitious documents that allowed men of draft age to cross the state border. With the help of corrupt connections with officials in both military hospitals and medical institutions in Odesa, members of the group provided clients with a temporary conscript certificate and a certificate from the military medical commission. The persons involved estimated their services from USD 6,500 to 7,000.

"Police investigators arrested one of the criminals after receiving USD 6,500 from one of the customers.

"Law enforcement officers conducted 24 simultaneous authorised searches at the residences and workplaces of the perpetrators. During these searches, investigators discovered and seized more than USD 100,000 (GBP 82,400), documents, mobile phones and other evidence of illegal activity. In the home of the 52-year-old suspect, law enforcement officers seized a bag with a drug-containing substance, which, according to the preliminary findings of the express test, is cocaine.

"The 52-year-old organiser and two of his accomplices were detained by investigators in accordance with Art. 208 of the CPC of Ukraine.

"For the illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine, they were notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The sanction of the article provides up to nine years of imprisonment with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a period of up to three years with confiscation of property.

"Separately, upon the discovery of narcotics, the police initiated criminal proceedings under Art. 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

"The court chose preventive measures for all three defendants in the form of detention for a period of 60 days with the possibility of bail for the male suspect - more than UAH 3.2 million (GBP 71,680), for women - more than UAH 2.1 million (GBP 47,040) and UAH 1 million (GBP 22,400).

"Currently, law enforcement officers are identifying all persons involved in criminal activity. The investigation is ongoing."

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a "special military operation". Today marks the 351st day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 9th February 2023, Russia had lost about 135,010 personnel, 3,255 tanks, 6,468 armoured combat vehicles, 2,244 artillery units, 463 multiple launch rocket systems, 232 air defence systems, 295 warplanes, 285 helicopters, 1,967 drones, 796 cruise missiles, 18 warships, 5,121 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 211 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Europe to provide his country with combat aircraft and long-range heavy weaponry as soon as possible during a visit to Paris.

Zelensky said as he arrived at the Elysee palace on Wednesday: “The sooner Ukraine gets long-range heavy weaponry, the sooner our pilots get planes, the sooner this Russian aggression will end and we can return to peace in Europe.”

Zelensky met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Olaf Scholz, urging them to be “game changers” and send modern combat planes.

Zelensky said Macron’s stance had changed regarding Ukraine and the war. The French President had initially tried to keep communication channels open with Russia in the early phase of the conflict.

But Zelensky said: “I think he [Macron] has changed.”

He added: “And he’s changed for real this time. After all, he opened the door to tank deliveries. He also supported Ukraine’s candidacy for the EU. I believe it was a real signal.

“We had a lot of conversations with France, Germany and other countries. I believe that trust is real today.”

Zelensky’s visit to Paris comes after he made an emotional speech to the UK’s Parliament early on Wednesday, saying: “I appeal to you and the world with simple and yet most important words: combat aircraft – for Ukraine! Wings – for freedom!”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said that “nothing was off the table”.

The UK has also pledged to train Ukrainian pilots on advanced NATO fighter jets, with Sunak saying that it will “ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future”.