TSK Search. Can you clear it by paying a fine

During the prolonged period of martial law in Ukraine, the institution of search by Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRC) has become a real and significant threat for hundreds of thousands of conscripts. Increasingly, citizens are receiving “wanted” status even for minor violations of military registration rules — such as failing to update their data, not reporting to the relevant TRC, or not collecting a draft notice in person. Registration of a person as “wanted” is carried out through the official administrative channel — the “Oberig” registry, which is integrated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs databases.

Legal Grounds for TRC Search and Procedure for Being Listed

The main legal ground for declaring someone wanted is Article 210 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (violations of military registration rules) and, essentially, alignment with Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1487. “TRC Search” is an administrative mechanism, not a criminal prosecution: its purpose is drawing up a protocol, bringing an individual to administrative responsibility, usually resulting in a fine (from UAH 17,000 to 25,500 as of 2025).

The process starts following a submission from the TRC to the National Police, which has the authority to detain a person and deliver them to the TRC for protocol processing. The search mechanism has been greatly simplified during wartime: a person can be added to the list even if a draft notice was not delivered personally — documentary evidence of an attempt to deliver the notice is enough.

Factors Leading to TRC Search Listing

Main reasons:

• Absence at the place of registration or invalid contact details
• Ignoring a personally served draft notice
• Failure to appear for a military medical commission (MMC), ignoring messages from the TRC
• Not updating personal data

Violations are registered in the unified information system of the Ministry of Defense and police, making it easy to identify someone as “wanted”.

Can the TRC Search Status Be Lifted by Paying a Fine?

The main myth of recent years is that “paying the fine is enough and the status will be removed automatically”. Legal analysis shows the actual procedure is more complex:

1. A fine can only be paid after drawing up an administrative protocol in person at the TRC or in court. Without official documentation, you cannot simply pay the fine.
2. Payment of the fine does not guarantee immediate removal from the search list:
   • Confirmation is needed that all requirements of the TRC have been met (passing the military medical commission, updating data, etc.)
   • The TRC must manually update the registries — this takes at least several days and often up to a month
   • Police and other authorities may still see the person as “wanted” for some time
3. The search issue cannot be resolved without personal appearance at the TRC:
   • The procedure is NOT remote — personal presence or the presence of an attorney for submitting applications/explanations is required
   • Fulfilling the legal requirements of the TRC is a key condition for removing one’s name from the “wanted” register
4. Evidence of fine payment is only one of several TRC requirements:
   • In some cases, a person can be removed from the register even without paying a fine (if there are no grounds or in case of error)
   • If there is a criminal aspect (evasion of mobilization under Article 336 of the Criminal Code), payment of the fine does not resolve the “wanted” status

Algorithm for Removal from the TRC Search List

1. Find out your status by sending an official request to the TRC/registry or via an attorney.
2. Appear in person at the TRC or together with an attorney. Provide all necessary documents, explanations, and fulfill the requirements of the military office: update your data, undergo the military medical commission, submit explanations.
3. Wait for the administrative protocol to be drawn up, sign it, and get the details for paying the fine.
4. Pay the fine (via bank, online, etc.) and provide proof of payment to the TRC.
5. Monitor your receipt of the TRC document about your removal from the search register and verify this in the official registry.
6. In case of refusal — appeal the actions of the TRC through the regional office, General Staff or in administrative court (petition to declare the search action unlawful).

Legal Consequences and Risks

Payment of the fine under Article 210 of the Code of Administrative Offenses does NOT automatically allow you to leave the country or protect you from further TRC action.
Any repeat violation will result in a new fine and renewed “wanted” status.
Your “wanted” status in the registry, even after paying the fine, can result in police detention until information is updated in the databases.
There is a legal opinion that “administrative search” is not provided for by law and thus can be successfully appealed in court.

Practice and Judicial Prospects

Due to numerous technical errors, mistaken listings, duplicated cases, or detention after status removal may occur; in such cases, it is recommended to contact an attorney immediately and submit a petition to declare the search unlawful.
If there is documentary proof of payment and compliance with TRC requirements — courts generally rule in favor of lifting the search status.

Conclusions. What Conscripts Should Do

1. Find out your status and do not ignore communications from the TRC.
2. Do not pay fines without contacting the TRC — only after a protocol has been drawn up and after consultation with an attorney.
3. Complete all formal procedures, do not avoid appearing in person at the TRC or submitting explanations.
4. If removal from the search register is delayed — appeal through higher authorities or in court.
5. Keep records of all contacts, payments and retain evidence of their implementation.

Payment of the fine is NOT a universal way to be removed from the TRC search register, it is only one stage of a complex administrative procedure. The main requirement is full interaction with the TRC and compliance with its formal instructions. Only after this is it officially possible to remove one’s name from the search registry, avoid the risk of double fines, illegal detention or new entries in the register.

Svitlana Krutorohova – attorney at the law firm “WINNER”.
If you have questions or issues related to determining your registry status, paying fines, preparing documents for removal from the search register, filing explanations or complaints to the TRC, or any other legal matters regarding military registration, mobilization or compliance with legal requirements — contact the team at the “WINNER” Law Firm. Our specialists are ready to provide consultations, support and assistance for successfully resolving your issues and protecting your rights.