Criminal cases at military recruitment centers in Zakarpattia: two of three suspects are managers

Following inspections of territorial recruitment centers in Zakarpattia Oblast, several criminal cases have been opened, and three TRC servicemembers have been served with suspicion notices — two of them hold managerial positions.

This was reported by Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets, as relayed by RBC-Ukraine.

“The main point: based on our monitoring materials, several criminal proceedings have been opened. Three TRC servicemembers have already been notified of suspicion, and two of them are managers,” the ombudsman noted.

Lubinets also emphasized that violations of citizens’ rights will not go without consequences.

“No one will turn a blind eye to violations of citizens’ rights. We continue our work,” he stated.

In addition to the criminal proceedings, the inspections have led to personnel and organizational changes. One district TRC, where numerous violations and inadequate conditions of detention had been recorded during preliminary monitoring, underwent renovation and saw improved conditions for those held there. A new acting head has been appointed for the regional TRC in the oblast, and changes have also taken place in the leadership of district territorial recruitment centers.

Approaches to oversight and communication with relatives of those brought to the TRCs have also changed. Surveillance cameras have been installed in the centers, and a dedicated telephone line has been set up for prompt contact with relatives.

Earlier, a scheme for the illegal removal of military-eligible men from military registration was uncovered in Zakarpattia, operating between 2022 and 2024. According to investigators, at least 1,577 men were removed from the register without legal grounds, and fees of between $5,000 and $10,000 were charged for entering false data into documents.