Odesa region: SSU detains officials who sold "sailor's license"

In Odessa, the Security Service (SSU) has arrested officials who were selling "seafarer's certificates," allowing evaders to travel abroad. This information was reported by the SSU press service.

The Security Service has dismantled yet another scheme aimed at evading conscription and facilitating illegal travel abroad in the Odessa region.

As a result of comprehensive measures, two culprits were apprehended: an employee of the Izmail seaport and an official from the Danube Qualification Commission of the State Service for Maritime and Inland Water Transport and Shipping.

For a fee, these officials offered evaders the opportunity to travel outside of Ukraine as seafarers on commercial ships.

To achieve this, the individuals involved "assisted" their clients in "guaranteed" passing the exam for the appropriate qualification.

The cost of such "services" ranged from 700 to 1,200 American dollars, depending on the individual's initial skills in maritime affairs and the financial capabilities of the evader.

In this way, the corrupt officials "earned" nearly 2 million in the equivalent Ukrainian hryvnia.

SSU agents arrested both culprits "red-handed" during the transfer of the unlawful benefit.

Based on the evidence collected, the detainees have been charged with Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public official).

Currently, they are in custody, and an investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime. The culprits could face up to 10 years in prison.