Ukrainian investigators recently uncovered nearly $6 million in cash during a raid at the home of a high-ranking official from President Zelensky’s political party. The raid was part of a broader crackdown on draft evasion schemes, which have become a growing issue amid Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Draft Evasion Schemes
Authorities in Ukraine have been investigating various methods used by individuals to avoid compulsory military service. Two major schemes have been uncovered:
- Falsified Medical Certificates: Officials in military recruitment centers and military medical commissions have been caught issuing fake medical certificates to declare individuals unfit for service. These fraudulent certificates were sold for prices ranging from $7,000 to $10,000.
- Smuggling Operations: Law enforcement has also uncovered smuggling schemes, which charged men of draft-eligible age around $10,000 to help them escape across the border. One such operation used mountain routes into Romania, while another involved a trucking company that facilitated illegal border crossings into Moldova.
Scale of the Issue
The extent of draft evasion in Ukraine is significant. The National Police have opened 9,000 criminal cases related to military mobilization evasion, with 2,600 already in court. In the first 18 months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, approximately 20,000 Ukrainian men reportedly fled the country in violation of martial law.
Government Response
The Ukrainian government has responded aggressively to the growing issue of draft evasion:
- Inspections: Nationwide inspections of military recruitment offices revealed widespread corruption and other violations.
- Legislation: New laws have been proposed to impose harsher restrictions on individuals who evade military registration or service.
- International Cooperation: Ukrainian authorities are working with partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Interpol to dismantle cross-border smuggling operations.
The discovery of millions in cash at the home of a member of Zelensky’s political party underscores the reach of corruption within the system, raising concerns about high-level officials being involved in the illegal activities tied to military draft evasion.
