A clergyman from Volyn has been caught attempting to receive an illegal benefit in exchange for promising a deferment from mobilization.
According to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the Defense Sphere of the Western Region, the priest demanded 10,000 US dollars for ordaining a conscript as a deacon of one of the churches. He also promised exclusion from the ‘Oberig’ register and a deferment as a clergyman. To create the appearance of legitimacy, the priest recommended purchasing special clothing and studying biblical texts.
Part of the money, 80,000 UAH, was received by the priest on a bank card, and the remaining sum, 8,000 US dollars, in cash during a meeting.
He has been charged under Part 3 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court has chosen a preventive measure in the form of night house arrest, but the prosecution is appealing this decision.