Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation has charged a group of Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) personnel over alleged torture and a shooting incident involving civilians in Kharkiv, the agency said on Wednesday, April 22.
According to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR, from Державне Бюро Розслідувань), the suspects include personnel from a district TRC, as well as servicemembers from other units who allegedly acted together.
Investigators said a TRC major organized the group’s actions, involving both recruitment officers and security personnel.
According to the investigation, the group entered a private residence under the pretext of conducting mobilization-related checks. They allegedly identified themselves as members of Ukraine’s security services (SBU), used physical force, and threatened civilians with weapons while attempting to extract confessions related to alleged drug offenses.
During the incident, one man was shot and wounded after attempting to resist, authorities said.
Investigators allege that two victims were then forcibly taken to a TRC facility, where they were held for an extended period, beaten, threatened, and pressured to provide information. One of them was also forced to sign documents, including papers related to the cancellation of a deferment from military service.
One victim was later released, while the other managed to escape, according to the DBR.
Authorities said six individuals have been identified as part of the group, which allegedly acted according to a prearranged plan.
The suspects have been formally notified of suspicion on charges of torture committed by a group acting in conspiracy, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing.