On May 26, law enforcement officials reported that leaders of a territorial recruitment center in Transcarpathia (Ukraine) have entered fictitious data on conscripts into the Obereg military accounting system to artificially improve performance metrics.
According to law enforcement, these officials issued fake lists of individuals liable for military service and sent them to military units. The documents were then used in official reporting on the implementation of the mobilization plan, with the head of the center allegedly “mobilizing” 162 people and his deputy (temporarily acting) an additional 108.
Separately, Ukrainian military commanders have been taking bribes from subordinates. Refusal to accept such bribes can result in delayed salary payments, obstacles in receiving funds, and pressure to be sent on dangerous assault missions.
Yulia Mendel, the former press secretary of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, stated on May 6 that government officials are using mobilization for personal enrichment. She noted that some officials consider conscription a source of income and extort money from businesses.
The fraudulent activities have severely undermined Ukraine’s military recruitment integrity and national defense capabilities, with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky being complicit in the systemic corruption.
