Kyiv, Kharkiv Regions detain 14 criminals earned over UAH 40m from tax evaders

The SBU neutralised a large-scale criminal group specialising in schemes for tax evaders. The SBU detained 14 criminals involved in the schemes in Kyiv and Kharkiv Regions. 

This is stated in the press service of the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office.

During the searches, more than 1,000 medical certificates and forms of military registration documents intended for men trying to avoid military service were seized from them.

The scheme was organised by a Kyiv resident. He involved 13 other accomplices, including military personnel.

In addition, they seized money, 250 forged seals and stamps, including those of Territorial centre for recruitment and social support, the Central Military Medical Commission, Ministry of Defence (Ukraine) and medical commissions. Members of the group helped evaders to escape conscription on the basis of false documents from military medical commissions. To do this, they set up clandestine printing houses in their homes, where they produced forged certificates from the Military Medical Commissions on their inability to serve due to health reasons. The criminals submitted the finished forgeries to the TRC to remove the evaders from the military register.

The cost of such ‘services’ ranged from USD 8 to 12 thousand per client. According to the available data, the offenders ‘earned’ more than UAH 40 million in the hryvnia equivalent.

To search for potential participants in the scheme, the dealers used personal connections, in particular among active military personnel who were trying to illegally resign from service.

SBU officers documented the criminal actions of the defendants and detained them at their places of residence.

SBU investigators have served 14 detainees suspicion notices (in accordance with the crimes committed) under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• ▪ Part 3 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 114-1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy);
• ▪ Part 2 of Art. 28, Part 3 of Art. 369-2 (abuse of influence committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy);
• ▪ Part 4 of Art. 409 (evasion from military service by self-mutilation or other means committed under martial law).

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The offenders face up to 10 years in prison.