The SSU has detained a citizen who sent anonymous e-mails with false bomb threats to state institutions.

The SSU established that a 39-year-old Kharkiv resident sent at least fourteen anonymous bomb alerts in December last year. His ‘target locations’ were Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Kharkiv Court of Appeal, Kharkiv International Airport, railway and bus terminals, as well as shopping and entertainment centers of the city.

The perpetrator is an IT specialist who used special software to hide his whereabouts when sending anonymous emails.

The law enforcement detained the individual at his home after another bomb scare.

The detainee explained that the motive was his personal resentment for Ukrainian authorities, as well as for law enforcement and judicial authorities.

The investigators are preparing notice of suspicion of offence under Article 259.1 and 259.2 of the CCU (knowingly false report of preparation of an explosion, arson or other actions that can cause death of people or any other grave consequences, committed repeatedly).

The SSU is verifying the suspect’s involvement in cooperation with hostile special services. Recently, the organizers of this unlawful activity involve citizens of Ukraine who act with hooligan motives or for fun, not fully realizing all the consequences.

Offenders try to send messages using software that they believe provides anonymity. However, the law enforcement promptly locate the ‘anonymous terrorists’.

Such crimes are punishable by up to eight years in prison. Additionally, the perpetrator will also have to pay tens of thousands of UAH to state and commercial institutions that suffered losses due to his illegal actions.

The SSU carried out the operation together with the National Police and the Cyber Police investigators under the supervision of Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.