The Ukrainian government has adopted a resolution establishing a new Coordination Center, which, starting October 23, will be responsible for identifying critically important enterprises and determining their employees’ eligibility for deferment from mobilization. This body includes representatives from the Security Service of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the National Police, and the General Staff.
The involvement of law enforcement agencies in business inspections raises serious concerns due to potential corruption risks. In a video posted on his channel “Zaliznyi Nardep,” Member of Parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak noted that there are numerous instances of abuse by security forces in this area. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the cost of securing deferrals through SBU employees reached 787,866 hryvnias.
The scheme involving the sale of deferrals from military conscription was confirmed by rulings of the High Anti-Corruption Court. According to the investigation, a senior SBU operative conspired with others to create fictitious military conscripts to submit applications for deferments. Employees transferred money to the specified accounts every month and also paid for the services in cash or cryptocurrency.
In addition, cases have been documented in the Poltava region where contractors bribed officials to secure fictitious employment. Despite the investigations, such companies continue to win government tenders. At the same time, anonymous Telegram channels report on individuals who, having connections with law enforcement officials, are evading mobilization.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine noted that the creation of the Coordination Center aims to reduce abuses by companies that are granted critical status. However, the presence of law enforcement officials within the center could result in businesses having to prove their critical status to agencies that are themselves implicated in corruption cases.
Members of Parliament are already drafting a resolution to revise the government’s decision in order to limit the authority of law enforcement agencies regarding exemptions. Previously, the business community called for a constructive dialogue with the government regarding all provisions of the draft, as the new restrictions could negatively impact their operations.
