SBU CI Department officers found in the Joint Forces Operation area a former militant from the “Bezler’s group", who took part in the tortures of Ukrainian servicemen and civilians in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

According to the SBU operatives and investigators, in 2014 a resident of Mariupol voluntarily joined the terrorist group of Russian saboteur, lieutenant colonel of the Russian military intelligence Igor Bezler. Among the terrorists, he was responsible for the so-called information block and was engaged in anti-Ukrainian propaganda. By the order of “Bes” a militant presented during interrogations and tortures of the prisoners and hostages, who were held in the premises of the former Horlivka Police Unit for Combating Organized Crime. He recorded confessions on camera and posted them on L/DNR websites and social networks. These shots were often used by the Russian media to create propaganda stories.

In addition, using physical and moral pressure and threatening with weapons, the militant humiliated the prisoners, forcing them to perform various household chores.

In 2015, with the start of criminal clashes for establishing of spheres of influence between militants’ groups, he was frightened for his life and escaped to the peaceful territory of Ukraine.

Recently security officers have found the offender in Mariupol city. Witnesses of the events of 2014 in Horlivka recognized him as Bezler’s mate. During searches at the terrorist's place of residence, materials attached to the case's evidence were seized. 

The SBU investigators under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor's Office served terrorist notice of suspicion of committing crimes under Part 1 Art. 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He risks being sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing.