The Kovel District Court has sentenced entrepreneur Ihor Obudyonov for engaging in fictitious studies at a university to evade conscription. The accused paid a bribe of $1,500 for admission to the educational institution and an additional $400 to close his session. Furthermore, he assisted several acquaintances in becoming students under the same scheme. For this, the man was fined 51,000 UAH.
According to the verdict issued on January 20, in March 2023, Ihor Obudyonov decided to enroll in the Hryhoriy Skovoroda University in Pereiaslav for full-time studies to obtain a deferment from conscription. The man had lost his business in Kyiv and planned to restore it in the town of Kovel, Volyn region.
The accused contacted an acquaintance whose father had connections with the university administration and offered a bribe of $1,500 for successfully passing the entrance exams. After negotiations and the transfer of funds, Ihor Obudyonov became a student. He then submitted an application to study in a distance format. At the end of the first semester, the accused paid another $400 to successfully complete his session.
According to the investigation, the accused also helped three acquaintances enroll at the university using the same scheme. Ihor Obudyonov admitted his guilt and expressed remorse.
Judge Volodymyr Hubar found the entrepreneur guilty of abuse of influence (Part 1 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and imposed a fine of 51,000 UAH. The decision can still be appealed in the appellate court.