Cyber units of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Cyberpolice Department of the National Police conducted a major special operation in Kyiv, Rivne, and Cherkasy. As a result, a hacker group that had created a fake version of the Reserve+ mobile app for draft dodgers has been dismantled.

The investigation revealed that the cloned app looked exactly like the official Ministry of Defence app.

Access to the clone cost UAH 1,200 per month (USD 26).

Using the fake app, evaders could independently change their account details and ‘add’ deferment from conscription.

Having made such changes, those liable for military service presented these fake electronic documents to Territorial Recruitment Centres and National Police personnel during checks.

Over 4,000 users attempting to evade mobilisation have been documented as having registered on the fraudulent service.

During the searches of the hackers’ homes in three Ukrainian cities, computer equipment, mobile phones, USB sticks, bank cards, and SIM cards containing evidence of the unlawful scheme were seized.

The fake app has been taken offline.

The two detainees have now been notified of their status as suspects under the Articles of the CCU:

• 114-1.1 (obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a state of emergency);
• 358.3 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms; sale or use of forged documents, seals or stamps committed by a group, by prior conspiracy).

The investigation to bring all members of the criminal group to justice is underway. The perpetrators face up to eight years’ imprisonment.

The operation was carried out jointly with the SSU Cherkasy Office and the Cyberpolice Department of the National Police of Ukraine under the procedural supervision of the Cherkasy Region Prosecutor’s Office.