The SBU prevented attempts to destabilize the socio-political situation in Ukraine by setting up a self-proclaimed Energodar City Council. The suspects planned to create so-called courts and law enforcement bodies as part of a fake local authority in Zaporizhzhia region.

Allegedly, a resident of Zaporizhzhia region organized the illegal activity. The malefactor together with accomplices attempted to create pseudo-state authorities in the territory of the region.

To legitimize their authority, they held a fake meeting and elected the so-called mayor and deputies of the self-proclaimed local government.

To attract supporters and activists, the suspects promised public office appointments, exemption from taxes and registration of property, as well as immunity from criminal liability in Ukraine.

During the searches, the law enforcement seized from the suspects:

• constituent documents of fake authorities;
• minutes of activists’ meetings;
• computer equipment with evidence of illegal activity.

The seized items were sent for examination.

The investigation is ongoing to prosecute all those involved in unauthorized assuming of an office or official title.

The operation was carried out by officers of the SBU Office in Zaporizhzhia region together with the National Police investigators, under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office.