The SSU is establishing all the circumstances of the destruction of the AN-225 Mriya and, in particular, why the management of the State Enterprise Antonov did not take all necessary steps to preserve the aircraft.

The SSU jointly with the Prosecutor General’s Office has carried out a series of searches within the relevant criminal proceeding.

The investigation established that the officials, despite the warnings of state authorities, did not take appropriate steps to preserve the aircraft.

Certain employees of the company for a long time obstructed the Defence Forces in organizing air and ground defence of the airport. All this led to the destruction of the AN-225 and several other aircraft.

Currently, investigators are looking into additional details of this case, and necessary examinations are being conducted, after which further procedural decisions will be made.

At the same time, the investigation helped to uncover other crimes.

The former director general of the State Enterprise Antonov was exposed on organizing illegal transportation of Ukrainian men of conscription age across the border.

According to the investigation, in March this year the official submitted to the State Border Guard Service a list of employees who would travel abroad for aircraft maintenance. In the list for the trip, he also included some outside persons. Among them was his close relative.

In this way, the evaders were able to cross the border under the guise of aircraft construction specialists.

The ex-director has already been notified of suspicion of offence under Article 332.2 of the CCU (unlawful transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine).

The investigation is ongoing to identify all the circumstances of the suspect’s criminal actions and other persons guilty of destruction of the AN-225 Mriya.

The procedural supervision is carried out by the Prosecutor General’s Office.