A printing house was discovered in Ukraine where fake certificates were produced for $8,000 to $12,000, helping men evade mobilization and be discharged from military service

Ukrainian law enforcement has uncovered an organized crime group that was helping conscripts avoid military draft.

This was reported by the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

“According to the investigation, a resident of Kyiv organized a scheme to help men evade the draft and subsequently be discharged from military service using fake documents. To carry out the scheme, he enlisted 13 accomplices, including military personnel,” stated the SBU press service.

As a result of comprehensive operations in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, 14 individuals involved in the criminal schemes were detained.

During searches of their premises, more than 1,000 medical certificates and military registration document forms were seized, which were intended for men trying to avoid military service.

Additionally, 250 fake seals and stamps, as well as money that was likely obtained through criminal activities, were confiscated.

According to the case materials, the suspects helped draft dodgers avoid conscription using fake documents from military medical commissions.

To do this, the members of the crime group set up underground printing facilities in their premises, where they produced counterfeit military medical commission certificates declaring individuals unfit for service due to health reasons.

The finished fake documents were then submitted to territorial recruitment centers to remove the draft dodgers from military records.

The cost of these “services” ranged from $8,000 to $12,000 per client. According to available data, the suspects “earned” more than 40 million hryvnias (approximately $1 million) in total.

To find potential participants in the scheme, the criminals used personal connections, including those among active military personnel who were trying to illegally pass the commission for discharge from service.

Depending on the offenses committed, the 14 detainees have been charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, abuse of influence, and evasion of military service through self-injury or other means, committed under martial law conditions. Prosecutors noted that measures of restraint have been applied to the suspects.