In Dnipro, a former unit commander helped soldiers desert for 5–7 thousand dollars

In Dnipro, law enforcement officers detained a former military unit commander who was helping soldiers go AWOL and flee to Europe in exchange for bribes. He is accused of aiding desertion and obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under martial law.

This was reported by the Prosecutor’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

According to investigators, the man, together with two civilians, organized a scheme to secretly remove soldiers from their units without their commanders’ knowledge. His accomplices handled payment and transportation. Their services cost between 5,000 and 7,000 U.S. dollars. The payments were made in cash, and the transportation was arranged covertly to avoid the attention of command. The perpetrators also assisted with illegal border crossings.

A documented attempt involved smuggling two soldiers out of a training center. They were promised full protection — from transportation to cover in case of inspections.

The organizer had previously been convicted in a case involving the fictitious military service of a deputy of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council. He was removed from his post and demoted from lieutenant colonel to major, but later set up a new corruption scheme. He was detained in a gambling establishment, where, according to investigators, he regularly spent his leisure time.