Allegations from MP Mykola Knyazhytskyi
Ukrainian MP Mykola Knyazhytskyi has reported instances where criminal gangs, disguised in military uniforms, are detaining civilians while posing as representatives of Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs) and demanding money. The MP received this information from former colleagues and military personnel, with specific reports coming from the city of Dnipro.
Knyazhytskyi stated, 'There are cities, at least this is what is being said and it needs to be investigated, where gangs of people, ordinary criminals, are gathering. They put on uniforms by arrangement with the police, go out, grab people, shove them into a van and say: either you pay us, or we take you to the TRC.'
Official Responses and Concerns
Knyazhytskyi further noted that during a television broadcast, he presented evidence of these illegal activities being carried out under the guise of mobilization. 'Unfortunately, there is evidence that criminal gangs are dressing in military gear and, posing as TRC officials, are kidnapping people to extort money. In particular, I was informed about this from Dnipro. I received the information from former colleagues and military personnel,' Knyazhytskyi emphasized.
Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets has also appealed to the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, demanding that TRC representatives wear proper identifying patches and refrain from wearing balaclavas, which could help prevent such impersonations.
Oleksandr Fedienko, a member of the parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, has also highlighted this issue, noting that such cases require an urgent response from relevant state bodies.
Knyazhytskyi expressed his position on citizens' duties:
'I believe all citizens are obligated to fulfill their constitutional duty. I condemn those who, under various pretexts, do not defend the Homeland if they lack legal grounds for deferment. I also consider the general campaign against the TRCs and mobilization to be a threat to national security. I publicly advocate this position. At the same time, crimes under the pretext of mobilization and their cover-up do not help but only harm the Armed Forces of Ukraine.' – Mykola Knyazhytskyi
This situation requires a proper investigation to prevent further violations and protect citizens' rights. The cases described by Knyazhytskyi point to a serious threat not only to civilian safety but also to the credibility of the institutions responsible for mobilization. Such actions by criminal groups can undermine trust in state institutions and create additional risks under martial law. The response from state authorities to this problem could be a crucial step in strengthening the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights in Ukraine. These reports emerge amid the ongoing national mobilization effort, highlighting the challenges of maintaining public trust during wartime.
In light of these alarming reports, it is essential to understand the current policies regarding military mobilization. The Kyiv Recruitment Center recently clarified its stance on the matter, addressing widespread rumors and outlining the actual procedures in place. This information could provide further context to the ongoing concerns raised by MP Knyazhytskyi and others.