Ukraine investigators uncover Illegal exit scheme at Rivne training center
Since the end of 2025, mobilized men have been regularly taken out of the training ground for money (Photo: Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Field of Defense of the Western Region)
Law enforcement officers in Rivne Oblast have detained an instructor at a basic combined-arms training center suspected of organizing the illegal departure of mobilized soldiers from a training ground, the State Bureau of Investigations said on Jan. 23.
The suspect did not act alone. Since late 2025, mobilized men were regularly taken out of a training range in exchange for money. The price of such a “service” started at $3,000.
Investigators found that the suspects used forged passes and other methods of concealment to remove servicemen, including documents that imitated orders from senior military officials.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) also released an audio recording of accomplices discussing the removal of conscripts in unauthorized absence.
One mobilized man who arrived at a training center was offered help by an instructor to leave the range. Under the arrangement, the man was to hand over $1,000 at the training ground, with another $2,000 to be paid by his mother after her son was taken out of the center.
SBI officers detained the instructor while he was receiving the first part of the money. Investigators are now checking other employees of the training center, as well as civilians who may have been involved in organizing the scheme.
The detainee was notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 28, Part 3 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 408 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — organizing desertion under martial law, committed by a group of persons acting in prior conspiracy.
The man was ordered held in custody without the option of bail. He faces up to 12 years in prison.
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