SBU detained two members of a terrorist group, headed by Valerii Bergman, nicknamed “Nimets”. The group was involved in a range of subversive operations.

SBU documented that in 2014 the “Nimets” group took possession of 1,2 tonnes of ammonia dynamite from the Melnikov Mine. The terrorists used the explosive to blast four bridges in Zakotne city and Siversk city of Donetsk region, two bridges in Lysychansk city and Rubizhne city of Luhansk region, another two bridges in Lysychansk were mined.

On September 8^th, 2019 SBU jointly with the National Police detained Bergman near Lysychansk city. During the interrogation the suspect testified against the members of his terrorist group and gave information about location of caches with weapons, meant to be used for subversive operations.

From October 2019 till April 2020, the SBU jointly with the National Police found several caches of the “Bergman group” on the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The law enforcement seized improvised explosive device consisting of the fire extinguisher body frame and explosive (2 kilos of TNT), 17 RGD-5 and F-1 grenades, 400 grams of TNT, three PMN mines, two VOG-25 and 40 RPG-7 rounds, AK gun with four magazines, “Star model B” handgun, six fuses for modified igniter set for hand grenades, and more than 2,000 rounds of different caliber.

In March and April SBU detained in Lysychansk city and Kostyantynivka city two active terrorist of the “Bergman group”, who confessed to committing acts of terrorism. As of now, the suspects were served notices of suspicion, and custody was chosen as a form of detention.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Security Service of Ukraine continues to expose and bring to justice all the persons involved in committing acts of terrorism in the JFO area.