The SSU continues to work to expose and prosecute members of illegal armed formations of the so-called L/DNR.

The SSU Counterintelligence identified the commander of a reconnaissance and subversive group, who fought against Ukrainian defenders, collected intelligence on the Armed Forces and recruited mercenaries for terrorist groups.

According to the investigation, a resident of Sarnynskyi district, Rivne region, joined the DNR terrorist organization in April 2014. He underwent special combat training and took part in hostilities against the Ukrainian military, in particular, in the battle for Debaltseve in 2015.

In addition, the militant was collecting intelligence on units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He passed information on strength, positions and redeployment of Ukrainian troops through his handlers to the Russian special services.

Instructed by Russian supervisors, the commander was also engaged in selection of candidates for subversive groups of Oplot terrorist group. He trained militants to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage activities against Ukrainian military.

Currently, the criminal is hiding from justice in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

Following investigation conducted by the SSU, Rivne City Court found the accused guilty of a crime under Article 258-3.1 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the CCU and sentenced him to 9 years in prison.

The convict is a wanted criminal.

The SSU Office in Rivne region carried out the pre-trial investigation under the supervision of Rivne Region Prosecutor’s Office.