The SSU Counterintelligence continues to systematically expose members of illegal armed formations of the so called ‘L/DNR’. In a special operation in Donetsk region, the SSU located and detained another militant, a rifleman of ‘Somalia’ IAF.

The detainee is a local, who joined the IAFs in December 2018.

According to the investigation, the militant was a member of the assault unit of the so-called ‘DNR’, which participated in hostilities against the Ukrainian military in the area of Shiroka Balka, Pikuzy (former Kominternovo) and Dolomitne in Donetsk region.

The offender later left the ranks of the IAF and covertly returned to the government-controlled territory, where he was trying to evade justice.

During the search of the location where the suspect stayed, the law enforcement found:

• military ID of the so called ‘DNR’;
• communication devices with evidence of illegal activity.

In addition, the detainee gave testimony against career military personnel of the Russian Armed Forces, who hold positions of advisers and directly manage the illegal armed formations.

The SSU investigators notified the individual of suspicion of a crime under Article 258-3 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court has chosen detention as a measure of restraint.

Pre-trial investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the illegal activity.

The SSU carried out the operation under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.