State Bureau of Investigation exposes torture and sexual violence at a mobilization center in Odesa region

The State Bureau of Investigation has uncovered a large-scale scheme of unlawful coercion of citizens into military service at one of the district territorial recruitment and social support centers in Odesa region.

This was reported by the SBI press service.

According to investigators, six employees of the district territorial recruitment center organized the delivery and detention of men in order to improve mobilization figures. Three members of a local civic organization helped locate men and gather information about them.

SBI officers documented numerous instances of cruel treatment of victims.

“Men were unlawfully held in the premises of the recruitment center, beaten, intimidated, and subjected to psychological pressure. The investigation has also established individual instances of sexual violence committed against the victims,” the SBI stated.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted searches and seized rubber batons, hammers, and other objects that were allegedly used to physically assault citizens. Following the investigative actions, nine suspects were detained.

All detainees were notified of suspicion of torture, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and robbery committed by an organized group — under Part 3 of Article 127, Part 2 of Article 146, and Part 4 of Article 186 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The suspects were remanded in custody without the right to post bail.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. SBI officers are identifying individuals who may be involved in the crime and are also searching for other victims.