The Security Service of Ukraine, with the assistance of the internal security unit of the Economic Security Bureau, has exposed the deputy head of the territorial division in the Odesa region for collaborating with an aggressor state.
Investigations reveal that the official is a co-founder of a real estate company operating in temporarily occupied territories, funding the Russian budget through «taxes».
The company, registered under Russian law in 2023, is owned 50% by the implicated law enforcement officer.
According to available evidence, this firm rents out offices to commercial entities and NGOs in Luhansk that «donate» to the Russian army.
Additionally, the company regularly posts announcements for fundraising for the needs of the occupation forces on its website and social media pages.
Besides the BEB official, law enforcement has also detained his accomplice, who holds the remaining 50% stake in the company.
Based on the collected evidence, the Security Service has notified the BEB official and his accomplice of suspicion under Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding an aggressor state).
The issue of preventive measures for the suspects is being addressed. The criminals face up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation.
The operation was conducted by SBU employees in the Odesa region with the support of the internal security unit of the BEB and the regional prosecutor's office.