Account Freezes for Mobilization Evasion: The Process and Your Options
This article explains the procedure for freezing the bank accounts of individuals eligible for military service who avoid mobilization. The process is initiated by an administrative protocol for failing to report to a Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC), an offense recorded under Article 210 of Ukraine's Code of Administrative Offenses. The standard fine for this violation ranges from 3,400 to 5,100 hryvnias. If a person commits the same offense again within a year, the penalty increases to between 5,100 and 8,500 hryvnias. Under martial law, these fines are significantly higher, set at 17,000 to 25,500 hryvnias. It is important to note that these fines can be imposed in absentia.
Fines must be collected within three months of the violation being detected, but no later than one year from when it was committed. Information about the debtor is then sent to the State Enforcement Service and entered into the Unified Debtor Register. The State Enforcement Service uses an automated enforcement proceedings system (AEPS), which automatically locates a debtor's accounts without requiring an additional court order. Any type of account can be frozen, including card, deposit, or current accounts.
During martial law, an exception allows for monthly spending operations of up to two times the minimum wage. As of now, this amount is 13,400 hryvnias. The bank is obligated to provide information on the reason for the account freeze. You can check your status in the Unified Debtor Register online for free. It is crucial to be aware that in 2024, there have already been documented cases of people being erroneously added to these registers due to technical errors.
What to Do If Your Account Is Frozen
- First, determine the exact reason for the freeze.
- Second, check the relevant official registers.
- Third, consult with a lawyer.
- Fourth, address the root cause of your listing in the register.
- Fifth, pay any legitimate debt you owe.
- Sixth, take manual steps to expedite the resolution.
Legal experts strongly advise against ignoring military summonses. If you receive a summons, follow the instructions from the recruitment office and ensure your bank has your current contact and status information. It is also better to pay any fine immediately, as any court-ordered debt not settled through standard procedures will be forcibly collected with additional interest and enforcement fees. This system reflects Ukraine's broader legal and social adjustments under the ongoing conflict.
The implementation of this account-freezing mechanism for those evading mobilization is part of the state's effort to ensure compliance with mobilization requirements during wartime. This measure underscores the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of adhering to the law during a difficult period for the country. It is vital for those subject to military duty to understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as the potential consequences of evasion, which now include significant financial penalties and asset restrictions.