The SSU continues to ‘cleanse’ liberated regions of Ukraine from traitors and collaborators. As a result of an operation in Kyiv region, the SSU neutralized a criminal group that assisted the enemy when Bucha district was under occupation.

In the early days of russia’s full-scale invasion, the criminals helped the invaders navigate the terrain and ‘recommended’ geolocations for setting up firing positions of enemy artillery, including amidst residential areas.

They also helped the occupiers in equipping checkpoints, machine gun emplacements and locations for stationing russian military equipment.

The traitors passed to the enemy addresses of Ukrainian patriots, including active participants of resistance to russia’s armed aggression.

The invaders used these ‘tip offs’ to break into residents’ homes and kidnap locals. Violence and death threats were used against the victims.

According to the investigation, enemy accomplices took part in patrolling the territory of a local residential complex, where russians held its residents hostage.

The investigation established that the criminal group included several residents of Kyiv region, who, if the region is captured, expected to be ‘appointed’ to positions in the occupiers’ administration.

They received enemy insignia and ‘passes’ for vehicles from russian forces.

After the region was liberated from occupiers, the group tried to hide from justice at a residential complex in Bucha district.

However, the SSU located and detained the criminals.

During the searches, investigators found weapons and other evidence of their crimes.

Currently, the detained members of the group have been notified of suspicion under three articles of the CCU, including treason committed under martial law. These crimes are punishable by 15 years in prison to life imprisonment. The court has decided to keep them in custody.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Main Directorate for Countering Systemic Threats to State Administration and the SSU Main Investigative Directorate under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.