Odesa regional recruitment center confirms detention of servicemen from district center
The Odesa Regional Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center has confirmed the detention of servicemen from one of the city’s district recruitment centers by law enforcement agencies and declared its readiness for openness and objectivity in the investigation.
"As of now, the fact of the detention of servicemen from one of the district recruitment centers of the city of Odesa by law enforcement representatives has been confirmed. The leadership of the Odesa Regional Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center is ensuring full cooperation with authorized law enforcement officers to clarify all details," the center stated on Facebook on Tuesday.
"Our position remains unchanged: we are interested in full transparency and an objective investigation. Any violations of the law within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are unacceptable, and the systematic cleaning of the structure from individuals who discredit the service is our priority," the Odesa center emphasized.
The center also urged the public and media to refrain from premature conclusions and the dissemination of unverified information. As noted, additional clarifications will be provided after official data is received and clarified.
On April 21, a detention involving shooting and a chase took place in Odesa involving SBU officers and presumably recruitment center staff. Meanwhile, information appeared in Ukrainian media that the detainees were employees of the Peresypsky District Territorial Recruitment Center. Bats, brass knuckles, and foreign currency were found in their possession. They allegedly demanded $30,000 from a man with a deferment and Combatant Status (Vetean). In the event that the Ukrainian did not bring the money, they threatened him with mobilization. The man turned to State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officers for help. They detained the recruitment center employees when they dragged the man into a minibus and threatened to beat him if he did not hand over the money immediately.
