The SSU and the SBI have exposed a large-scale scheme of financing the terrorist organization ‘DNR’. The financing channel operated before the full-scale invasion and replenished the militants’ ‘budget’ by a total of over UAH 50 mln (USD 1.3 mln).

As a result of operational and investigative activities in Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr, organizers of the scheme were exposed.

A group of persons arranged supply of mining equipment from the temporarily occupied Donetsk oblast to Ukraine-controlled territory.

Such ‘turnover’ ensured regular revenues to the ‘budget’ of the terrorist organization ‘DNR’ in form of ‘taxes and fees’.

This money was then used to ensure logistical support of militants on the eastern front.

To circumvent the ban on trade with the temporarily seized enterprises of Donetsk oblast, the offenders set up a network of fictitious commercial entities in Zhytomyr oblast and russia.

Payments were made through sanctioned financial institutions of the aggressor state.

Investigators of the State Bureau of Investigations have declared three organizers suspects under Article 258-5.2 of the CCU (terrorism financing). The suspected officials include the director and the chief accountant of an enterprise in Zhytomyr.

The investigation is underway.

It is planned to submit proposals to the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine to impose sanctions on the involved russian companies.

The SSU Office in Vinnytsia region exposed the offence jointly with the SBI under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.