The deputy commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces brigade is on trial for extortion and death threats.

According to ТСН: Soldiers of the 110th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are facing court due to accusations of 'systematic extortion from military personnel and threats of murder'.

As reported by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), 'DBR employees have completed a large-scale investigation into a stable criminal group in the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, led by the deputy commander. The official has been profiting off his subordinates for an extended period and used threats to avoid exposure. The total amount of damages inflicted on the state exceeded 5 million UAH. One of the soldiers, under pressure from the organizer, committed suicide.'

The indictment has already been sent to court.

In the DBR's statement, it was noted that 'in June 2024, one of the soldiers decided to expose the illegal activities in the unit and took a bag containing 1.5 million UAH of illegal funds from the official and handed it over to DBR employees. The command attempted to cover up the crime by framing it as a theft of weapons. In fact, the man was being searched for physical reprisal. The deputy commander organized his kidnapping and threatened to kill him and his family. Thanks to the operational actions of the DBR, this was prevented.'

On December 27, 2024, searches were conducted in the case, during which we found weapons that were said to be 'stolen' and detained the official.

The investigation established that 'for two years, a 'protection' mechanism operated in the brigade: soldiers who did not wish to serve were offered to 'not appear' for half their salary. Some of them were even granted combat payments. Those who refused to pay were sent to the most dangerous sections of the front.'

The criminal scheme included the commander of the logistics group, three drivers, and a workshop employee.

The DBR also reported that 'one of the subordinates, who forged documents under the organizer's pressure, committed suicide, leaving a note directly pointing to the guilty party.'

As part of the investigation, the DBR is also checking other possible offenses by the official, including the alleged embezzlement of military property and food. The total damages could reach 30 million UAH.

Seized Property

The deputy commander's property worth over 14 million UAH, acquired after 2022, is currently under arrest. It includes:

• an elite apartment in Odesa (60 sq. m);
• an apartment in Khmelnytskyi (75 sq. m);
• a garage (40 sq. m);
• two plots of land near 'Bukovel';
• a Mercedes-Benz car;
• accounts and securities amounting to almost 4 million UAH.

'More than 7 million UAH in various currencies have been transferred to ARMA,' the DBR reported.

Charges

The deputy commander is charged with: part 3 of article 255, part 5 of article 191, part 5 of article 426-1, part 1 of article 366, part 4 of article 409, part 4 of article 410, part 2 of article 146, part 2 of article 129 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Indictments have also been sent to court concerning:

• the commander of the logistics group (part 3 of article 255, part 5 of article 191, part 1 of article 366, part 4 of article 409, part 5 of article 426-1),
• four soldiers (part 2 of article 255, part 5 of article 191, part 4 of article 409).

The defendants face up to 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Let us remind you that the scandal in the 110th brigade erupted in the summer of 2024 when the mothers of fallen soldiers expressed concern about the treatment of military personnel 'as a disposable resource'.

This situation raises questions not only about the ethics of military commanders' activities but also about trust in the entire military command. The investigation may become an important step towards restoring justice for the soldiers who face pressure and abuse from their commanders. Society will closely monitor further revelations in this case.