Law enforcement officer in Zaporizhzhia exposed for running 'business' helping deserters, draft dodgers

According to the SBI, the officer was the mastermind behind the operation. The criminal group also included another law enforcement officer and two civilians. The group operated across the entire country.

They arranged illegal border crossings for men of military age and helped active-duty soldiers desert from their units.

"The cost of services varied depending on the complexity of the scheme and reached up to $20,000. The group provided clients with forged documents, transportation, and safe houses," the SBI said.

Investigators have already documented three cases organized by the group, two of which involved aiding military deserters. Numerous other instances are currently under investigation.

"The group's final operation involved arranging the desertion of a soldier from Zaporizhzhia. For $13,000, they prepared a complete set of forged documents to ensure his illegal border crossing. However, law enforcement officers foiled the attempt," the bureau said.

More than 20 searches were conducted at the homes of the suspects and their associates in Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnytskyi. Nearly $130,000 in cash, documents, mobile phones, and computer equipment containing evidence of criminal activity were seized.

All members of the criminal group have been charged with the illegal transportation of persons across Ukraine's state border and complicity in desertion.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals potentially involved in the scheme.

The operation was carried out by the SBI in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Internal Security Department of the National Police, and the State Border Guard Service.