Police apprehended a criminal during the receipt of $35,000 for his «services». He has been charged and a preventive measure has been imposed. The offender faces up to eight years in prison with asset confiscation.

The illegal activities of the man were halted and documented by the investigators of the Odessa District Police Department No. 1 in cooperation with the Strategic Investigations Department of the National Police of Ukraine.

«The 49-year-old offender promised an Odessa resident monetary compensation in exchange for facilitating his employment in a local military unit, which would have led to the cessation of court proceedings against serious crimes related to military mobilization. The «client» was also assured that he would serve in a formal capacity and would not be dispatched to combat zones,» said Valentina Istomina, head of the investigative unit.

The suspect promised to resolve these matters by influencing officials from a local military recruitment center and judicial authorities. For his «services», he demanded $35,000.

Law enforcement arrested the fraudster at a gas station while he was receiving the agreed sum and documents.

Investigators seized these items, as well as the suspect's mobile phone containing information of interest to the investigation as evidence.

«Based on the collected evidence, the suspect was charged under part 3 of article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This pertains to receiving unlawful benefits for influencing a decision by a public official, coupled with the extortion of illegal gains. For this crime, the suspect faces up to eight years of imprisonment with asset confiscation,» added Valentina Istomina.

The court has chosen a preventive measure of detention with the right to post bail in the amount of 242,240 hryvnias. Investigative actions continue under the procedural guidance of the Suvorov District Prosecutor's Office in Odessa. During the pre-trial investigation, law enforcement will identify all individuals who may be involved in the criminal scheme.