Broken arm and rib: leaders of the Territorial Recruitment Center in Mykolaiv region will be tried for torturing a father of a large family

Investigators of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) have completed the pre-trial investigation into the alleged torture of a man in one of the district Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers of Mykolaiv region. The indictment has been referred to court.

According to the 24 June 2026 press service of the DBR.

According to the DBR, the events occurred in 2024. During mobilization activities, a man who is raising five children and had health problems was brought to the TRC.

After being forced to undergo a military medical commission, he was declared fit for military service. However, two military units refused to accept the man due to his health condition.

The investigation claims that after this, TRC officials decided to meet the mobilization plan at any cost. The victim was unlawfully detained for nine days, including in a basement room, where physical violence and psychological pressure were applied to him.

The man was allegedly forced to agree to mobilization “voluntarily” or to sign documents stating he had no claims against the recruitment center staff.

According to the DBR, the victim was released only after the effects of the beatings became apparent — numerous swellings and other injuries appeared on his body. Once free, he immediately sought medical help.

The man was diagnosed with a concussion, a broken arm and rib, numerous abrasions, as well as infected wounds which, according to the investigation materials, resulted from being tied up.

The acting head of the fourth department of the Voznesensk District Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center of Mykolaiv region and two of his subordinates will stand trial.

They are charged with torture and unlawful deprivation of liberty committed by a group of persons — under Part 3 of Article 127 and Part 2 of Article 146 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 12 years in prison.

The proceedings are overseen by the Mykolaiv Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense of the Southern Region.

According to the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a guilty verdict of a court.

Previously we wrote:

• 18 days without communication and with broken ribs: the ombudsman reported violations at the Mykolaiv TRC
• Ten days in captivity: a Mykolaiv region resident reported torture by TRC military personnel
• 30 complaints of beatings: an officer in the Korabelnyi District TRC has been notified of suspicion
• In Mykolaiv, a TRC employee is suspected of beating a reservist
• A man and his 8-year-old daughter were taken to the TRC: the child spent more than 10 hours there