Scheme of «Ghost Soldiers» Exposed in Odesa Region: Over ₴15.2 Million Embezzled

An organized group of military officials in the Odesa region has been exposed for fraudulently enlisting individuals for military service and embezzling their salaries and payments. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

According to the investigation, from 2022 to 2025, 19 individuals who did not actually serve were included in the personnel lists. Despite this, documents were drawn up for them as if they were performing their duties, which served as the basis for calculating salaries and additional payments.

The prosecutor's office reported that the group included the commander of a military unit, two of his deputies, the deputy commander of the battalion – the chief of staff, and the company commander. Subordinate commanders who were unaware of the scheme drew up reports on the alleged performance of service, which were then approved and used for illegal payments. The «servicemen» transferred the funds to the organizers in cash or transferred them to bank accounts.

According to the investigation, more than ₴15.2 million of budget funds were embezzled in this way. All participants in the scheme have been arrested with the possibility of bail. Their actions have been classified under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in particular, regarding abuse of power, official forgery, provision of unlawful benefits, and complicity in evading military service.