Odesa border guards foil fake marriage scheme to dodge military service

"The goal was to secure exemptions from conscription and facilitate border crossings," the report said.

The woman reportedly found clients through advertisements on a private Telegram channel. The cost of a "contract marriage" for men started at $4,000, depending on the severity of disability and the number of children involved.

"Services" included advice on navigating border crossings and recommendations on how to behave and respond to border guards' questions.

The woman was apprehended while accepting $4,000 from the latest "groom," who intended to enter into a fictitious marriage with a mother of multiple children.

Suspect was informed of the charges and detained, with the option of posting bail set at 180,000 hryvnias ($4,458). Authorities are currently working to identify all individuals involved in the illegal activity.