Wanted for unauthorized abandonment of a unit: how to check?

During martial law, the issue of unauthorized abandonment of a military unit became particularly relevant. In practice, the lawyers of "Prikhodko&Partners" often encounter situations when many servicemen find themselves in difficult life circumstances: prolonged treatment after injury, problems with documents, lack of communication with the command or inability to return to their place of duty in a timely manner. In such cases, a person may not even know that he has already been included in the list of persons who have deserted the unit, and checks may be conducted or even criminal proceedings may be initiated against him.

What is the importance of the SZCH?

An unauthorized abandonment of a military unit - the absence of military service without the permission of command over the lines established by law. In the minds of a military man, such actions can qualify as Art. 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and entail criminal liability.

At the same time, not every absence is an intentional evasion of duty. Often the reasons are:

• treatment or rehabilitation;
• injuries;
• problems obtaining medical documents;
• family circumstances;
• lack of proper communication with the military unit;
• errors in documents or orders.

However, even if there are good reasons, the military unit may initiate an internal investigation.

Is there an open registry of SZCH?

Currently, there are no open state databases or online registers where you can check the status of a SZCH. Any sites that offer to “check the wanted list” or “find yourself in the SZCH database” most often do not have any official access to such information. Data on military personnel who are subject to official checks or criminal proceedings are classified as confidential information. Therefore, obtaining reliable information is possible only legally.

How to officially find out about the status of the SZCH?

There are several legal ways to obtain information.

Appeal to a military unit

The military unit keeps records of personnel and records the fact of the absence of a serviceman. The command itself: prepares relevant reports; conducts an internal investigation; transfers materials to law enforcement agencies.

The following may submit a request:

• the serviceman himself;
• a lawyer;
• close relatives.

The response may include:

• whether the fact of the SZCH has been recorded;
• whether an official investigation is being conducted;
• whether the materials have been transferred to the State Bureau of Investigation;
• whether the relevant orders have been issued in respect of the part.

Appeal to the State Bureau of Investigation

If the materials have already been transferred to the State Bureau of Investigation, it is possible to obtain information regarding the initiation of criminal proceedings.

A lawyer has the right to send an official legal request and receive information much faster than with a regular request from a citizen.

In some cases, this allows:

• to learn about the suspicion in a timely manner;
• to avoid being declared wanted;
• to prepare documents about valid reasons for absence;
• to minimize the risks of criminal liability.

Signs that a person may be in the status of a SZCH

In practice, there are indirect signs that may indicate problems with military service.

• Absence for more than a few days. If a serviceman is absent from the unit for a long time without proper documentation, the command usually begins an inspection.
• Termination of financial support. One of the most common signs is the suspension of salary and other types of support.
• Calls from law enforcement agencies. Phone calls, summons, or interest from investigative agencies may indicate the opening of criminal proceedings.
• Wanted information. In the event of prolonged ignoring of the investigator's calls, the person may be declared wanted for procedural actions.

Why is it important not to procrastinate?

Many service members mistakenly believe that the issue will “just go away.” In fact, inaction often only makes the situation worse.

Timely contact with a lawyer allows you to:

• verify the real status;
• prepare a legal position;
• collect medical and other evidence;
• establish communication with the military unit;
• protect the rights of the serviceman during the investigation.

In each situation, an individual study of the circumstances is important, because the presence of good reasons can significantly affect the legal consequences of the case.

It is necessary to find out about the status of the SZCH, the presence of an official investigation or criminal proceedings as early as possible. The sooner a serviceman or his family seeks legal assistance, the more opportunities there are to protect their rights and minimize negative consequences.

A lawyer will help:

• promptly send requests to the military unit and the State Bureau of Investigation;
• check for criminal proceedings;
• prepare documents on valid reasons for absence;
• support communication with investigative bodies;
• form the correct legal position in the case.

There is no need to wait for a suspect to be served or a wanted notice. Timely legal assistance often allows you to avoid critical consequences and protect the reputation of a serviceman.