August M
Ukrainian authorities have uncovered an alleged network helping men avoid military service through falsified medical records. Investigators say the operation involved coordinated actions between healthcare workers and emergency staff.
The case highlights ongoing challenges around mobilization enforcement during wartime.
Scheme uncovered
According to 02.pl, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out an operation in the Cherkasy region targeting a suspected draft-evasion network.
Officials say medical personnel offered men of conscription age fake documentation declaring them unfit for service in exchange for payments of around $4,000.
The alleged organizer was identified as the head of a regional branch of a medical company, who reportedly oversaw a group of six doctors along with emergency service workers.
How it worked
Investigators say the scheme relied on staged medical procedures to create the appearance of serious illness.
Emergency crews would transport individuals with pre-prepared documents indicating urgent hospitalization. Doctors would then falsify test results and medical records to support claims of poor health.
This documentation was later used during the conscription process to classify individuals as unfit for military duty.
Arrests made
The SBU said the suspected organizer was detained while allegedly accepting a bribe.
Searches of homes and workplaces uncovered medical files, handwritten notes and mobile phones containing evidence, according to 02.pl.
Several suspects now face charges including document forgery, use of falsified records and obstructing the activities of Ukraine’s armed forces.
Legal consequences
Two individuals have been placed in custody, while courts are considering further detention requests for others involved.
If convicted, those implicated could face up to eight years in prison, along with confiscation of property.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to dismantle similar networks.
Sources: 02.pl
