Five Ukrainian military recruitment officials detained over alleged torture and abductions
Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation has detained five military recruitment officials in the western Chernivtsi region on suspicion of abducting and torturing men subject to mobilization and demanding bribes, the agency announced on October 30.
The suspects include the head of a local military recruitment office and four subordinates. Investigators say they forcibly detained men on the streets of Kitsman and subjected them to further abuse inside the recruitment office, allegedly to pressure them into agreeing to military service.
In one incident dating back to February 2026, a man was shot in the leg with a less-lethal weapon during his detention. According to investigators, he was then taken to the recruitment office, denied necessary medical care and forced to attempt to remove the projectile from his own wound.
Investigators are also examining the alleged abduction of a Ukrainian combat veteran on September 30 following a personal conflict with recruitment officials. The man had fought in the defense of Kyiv, Irpin and Bakhmut after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
The bureau also documented an alleged demand for and receipt of a €5,500 bribe in exchange for releasing a detained man.
In total, investigators reported one suspected abduction, four alleged incidents of torture and a bribery case.
All five officials were detained on October 21 during an operation conducted with the assistance of Ukraine's military leadership.
The head of the office and three subordinates have been formally notified of suspicion of unlawful detention or abduction. Four subordinates also face bribery allegations, while two are additionally suspected of torture committed by state officials.
The most serious charges carry a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the suspects have not been convicted.
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