The SSU and the National Police have detained new accomplices of russian intelligence services who committed arson attacks in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.

The perpetrators were remotely recruited by russia on Telegram channels, where they were promised ‘quick money’. However, instead of payments, the arsonists received notices of suspicion and a prospect of life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

In Odesa region:

A 24-year-old suspect was apprehended for setting fire to eight post offices on the coastal territory of the region in October and November.

To commit the arsons, the man broke the windows of the buildings, poured a flammable mixture into the premises and set them on fire.

He also planned to burn down one of the local administrative buildings of the Pension Fund of Ukraine. However, he was detained by the law enforcement.

Another enemy agent was caught ‘red-handed’ when he set fire to an AFU off-road vehicle and then recorded the burning on his mobile phone.

In Mykolaiv:

An enemy accomplice was detained for setting fire to a transformer substation that supplies energy to a district of the city.

During the searches, mobile phones and other evidence of cooperation with russia were seized.

The detained individuals have been notified of suspicion (in accordance with the crimes committed) under the Articles of the CCU:

• 113.2 (sabotage, committed under martial law);
• 194.2 (intentional destruction or damage to property);
• 114-1.1 (obstructing the lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations, during a special period).

The suspects are in custody and face from 8 years in prison to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operations were carried out by the SSU Offices in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Odesa and Mykolaiv Region Prosecutor’s Offices.