Battalion command suspected of embezzling nearly UAH 100M arrested in Odesa region

According to the SBU, the suspects were involved in selling draft exemptions, forged veteran IDs, and military fuel, causing an estimated UAH 100 million ($2.5 million) in damages to the state budget.

The operation's alleged mastermind is a former commander of a separate battalion stationed in the region. While in office, he recruited four subordinates into the scheme, including two deputy commanders.

One of the schemes involved fraudulently enlisting local entrepreneurs and acquaintances into military service to avoid mobilization, charging up to $5,000 for the service.

"In reality, these so-called 'recruits' never set foot on the military base. Instead, they transferred their monthly military salaries directly to the battalion command's bank accounts," the SBU said.

Additionally, the suspects sold counterfeit combat veteran certificates and illegally traded fuel intended for military vehicles.

All involved individuals have been detained. During searches, law enforcement seized mobile phones and bank cards containing evidence of the criminal activity.

The former battalion commander, the active-duty deputy commander, the logistics deputy, the fuel depot chief, and a company commander have all been formally charged under several articles of Ukraine's Criminal Code, including Parts 4 and 5 of Article 191 (misappropriation of property through abuse of office by an organized group), Part 1 of Article 366 (official forgery), and Part 3 of Article 369-2 (abuse of influence).

The suspects are currently in custody. If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

Photo credit: SBU