Sept 12, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
The Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered another scheme involving
evasion of mobilization and illegal emigration abroad in the Odessa region.
As a result of comprehensive measures, two offenders have been detained: an employee of the Izmail Sea Port and an official from the Danube Qualification Commission of the State Service of Maritime and Inland Water Transport and Navigation.
These officials were offering individuals the opportunity to leave Ukraine
as seafarers on merchant ships in exchange for money.
To facilitate this, the culprits "assisted" their clients in
passing the required qualifications exams.
The cost of such "services" ranged from $700 to $1,200 in
U.S. dollars. The amount depended on the individual's prior maritime skills and
financial capabilities for evasion.
As a result, these corrupt officials "earned" almost UAH 2
million in equivalent.
SSU officers arrested both suspects "in flagrante delicto" during
the illegal transaction.
Currently, they are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing to
establish all the circumstances of the crime. The perpetrators may face up to
10 years in prison.
The measures to block this corruption scheme were carried out by the
Security Service of Ukraine in the Odessa region, in cooperation with the
National Police, under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's
office.
Odessa SBU
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