They were selling seafarer’s certificates: another scheme for draft dodgers has been uncovered in the Odessa region

In the Odessa region of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine has arrested an employee of the Izmail Sea Port and an official from the Danube Qualification Commission of the State Service of Maritime and Inland Water Transport and Navigation. They were involved in a scheme to help men of draft age evade mobilization and illegally leave the country.

This information reported according to the press service of Security Service of Ukraine.

These individuals offered draft dodgers the opportunity to leave Ukraine as commercial ship captains in exchange for money.

“To facilitate this, the suspects helped their clients pass the required qualification exams. The cost of these services ranged from $700 to $1,200, depending on the individual’s prior maritime experience and financial means”.

As a result, the corrupt officials earned nearly 2 million Ukrainian hryvnias (more then 51 000 euro).

Security Service of Ukraine agents arrested both suspects while they were in the act of exchanging money. Based on the evidence gathered, the detainees have been charged under Article 368, Part 3 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to the acceptance of proposals, promises, or the receipt of unlawful benefits by public officials.

Currently, they are in custody, and if convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.