California Father Allegedly Abducts Children Amid Custody Dispute, May Flee to Ukraine
A California father is at the center of an international abduction investigation after allegedly taking his two children following a bitter custody battle. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed the man, identified as 42-year-old software engineer Mark Reshenko, disappeared with his 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter on June 12. Authorities believe Reshenko may be attempting to reach Ukraine, his country of birth, raising urgent concerns about the children’s welfare.
Escalating Custody Battle Preceded Disappearance
Court records reveal the abduction followed a 14-month custody dispute between Reshenko and his ex-wife, pediatrician Elena Reshenko. The Superior Court of California granted primary custody to the mother on June 5, citing concerns about the father’s “increasingly erratic behavior” and violation of previous visitation agreements.
“This case exemplifies how custody disputes can tragically escalate,” said family law attorney David Chen, who reviewed the public filings. “When parents perceive the court system as unfair, some take desperate measures. International abduction becomes significantly harder to resolve, especially when the destination country lacks strong reciprocity with U.S. law.”
Key developments in the case include:
- Multiple police reports filed by Elena Reshenko since 2022 alleging parental interference
- Mark Reshenko’s passport flagged in the U.S. Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program
- Unconfirmed sightings of the family near Los Angeles International Airport on June 12
International Abduction Risks and Legal Complexities
The possible Ukraine connection presents particular challenges. While the U.S. and Ukraine are both signatories to the Hague Convention on Child Abduction, enforcement remains inconsistent in conflict-affected regions. State Department data shows only 58% of Ukraine abduction cases resulted in repatriation between 2015-2022, compared to 78% globally.
“War creates jurisdictional gray areas,” explained Dr. Sofia Petrenko, director of the Center for Missing Children in Eastern Europe. “Even with Interpol notices, border controls may be prioritized for military security. We’ve seen cases where abductors slip through during chaotic situations.”
Authorities are monitoring:
- Financial transactions from Reshenko’s accounts
- Possible assistance from relatives in Ukraine’s western regions
- Private charter flights departing Southern California that week
Community Reaction and Search Efforts
The children’s school district has mobilized support, with PTA president Marisol Gutierrez stating: “These are bright, beloved students. We’re providing counseling for classmates and praying for their safe return.” Neighbors describe the father as a devoted parent who became increasingly isolated after the divorce.
LAPD has partnered with the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team. “Every hour matters in these cases,” said Special Agent Theresa Moore. “We’re pursuing all leads, including the possibility he may still be in the U.S. using false documents.”
Preventative Measures for High-Conflict Custody Cases
This incident highlights gaps in preventing parental abductions. While courts can order supervised visitation or ankle monitors, experts note only 12% of high-risk cases receive such interventions nationwide. California recently passed legislation allowing judges to require surrender of passports in contentious divorces, but the law took effect after this case was decided.
Red flags often missed include:
- Sudden interest in foreign citizenship processes
- Withdrawal of large cash sums
- Unusual interest in border security protocols
What Comes Next in the Investigation?
Interpol has issued a Yellow Notice for the children, while Ukrainian authorities confirm they’re monitoring border crossings. The mother’s legal team filed emergency motions to freeze the father’s assets and revoke his parental rights. Meanwhile, child advocates stress the psychological toll on abducted children, who often experience trauma lasting decades.
“These children are caught in an impossible situation,” said Dr. Alicia Monroe, child psychologist. “Even if recovered quickly, they’ll need extensive therapy to process being weaponized in their parents’ conflict.”
The case serves as a sobering reminder for families in custody disputes to:
- Document all co-parenting communications
- Request court-ordered preventative measures when risks emerge
- Educate children (age-appropriately) about safety plans
Readers with information are urged to contact the LAPD Missing Persons Unit at (213) 996-1800 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s 24-hour hotline. As the search continues, this developing story underscores the complex intersection of family law, international relations, and child welfare in an increasingly connected world.
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