With the assistance of the Internal Security unit of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU), the Security Service exposed a deputy head of the ESBU territorial directorate in Odesa region for cooperating with the aggressor state.

As the investigation established, the official is a co-founder of a Luhansk real estate company in the temporarily occupied territory that finances russia’s budget in the form of ‘tax’ payments.

In 2023, this company was registered under russian law. The exposed officer owns 50% of its authorized capital.

According to the evidence, the firm leases offices to commercial entities and civil organizations in Luhansk which ‘donate’ to the russian army.

On its website and social media pages, the company also regularly publishes announcements about fundraising for the needs of the occupiers.

In addition to the ESBU official, the law enforcement team also detained his accomplice, who owns the other 50% of the company’s  authorized capital.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified the detainee and his accomplice of suspicion under Article 111-2 of the CCU (aiding an aggressor state).

The decisions on measures of restraint are pending. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operational and investigative activities were carried out by the SSU Odesa Office with the assistance of the ESBU internal security unit and procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.