Ukraine Exposes Mass Conscription Bribery Scheme

Ukrainian authorities have uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme in the Zakarpattia region, in which at least 1,577 men were illegally removed from military records between 2022 and 2024. Attorney General Ruslan Kravchenko reported on the case.

According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by the former head of the recruitment center in Mukachevo and his subordinate. In exchange for bribes ranging from $5,000–$10,000, they allegedly forged military and medical documents declaring the men unfit for service, citing health reasons in more than 1,100 cases.

Investigators claim that, facing the threat of exposure, the suspects attempted to destroy evidence, including medical records that, by law, were required to be archived for 75 years. However, authorities were able to reconstruct the data from health system databases, expert reports and witness statements.

So far, 120 people have been re-enlisted in the military, and the review of other cases is ongoing. Police have conducted 17 house searches, and two former officials from the recruitment center face charges of obstructing the activities of the armed forces during a state of war. According to Ukrainian media, approximately 300 men who were discharged in this manner have left the country.

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