The SSU and the SBI investigators have notified the ex-Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine (2014 – 2016) of suspicion of assisting a terrorist organization.

The investigation established that between December 2014 and February 2015 the official issued a number of orders appointing representatives of ‘L/DNR’ terrorist organizations to positions at state enterprises in the temporarily occupied territories.

In addition, through abuse of office the minister forced the CEOs of a state energy company to conclude several agreements with the ‘L/DNR’, in particular for supply of coal worth over UAH 3 bln (USD 115 mln).

The official’s illegal actions led to making UAH 200 mln (USD 7.6 mln) available to the terrorists, which enhanced their so-called ‘governments’. Moreover, it helped reduce expenses of the aggressor state to finance the ‘republics’.

The SSU has notified the ex-minister of suspicion within its mission to expose officials betraying Ukraine’s interests amidst Russian hybrid warfare. Earlier, a current Verkhovna Rada deputy and a businessman received notices of suspicion of treason.

The SSU in close cooperation with the State Bureau of Investigations under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office investigates crimes against the national statehood of Ukraine to prosecute all involved individuals.