The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended a member of the local regional council in Kherson who collaborated with the enemy during the occupation of the city. When the community was liberated, the official fled abroad but later returned to Ukraine.

According to the investigation, he was a member of the banned Saldo party, and after the capture of Kherson, participated in the ‘confiscation’ of Ukrainian farmers’ property to be taken to russia.

It is documented that the official betrayed local agricultural business owners, who did not support the kremlin regime, to the occupiers.

Subsequently, armed ruscists came to these entrepreneurs and stole their agricultural produce and machinery.

The council member then stored the looted property on the territory of the companies under his control for further transfer to russia.

In this way, he smuggled over 100 tons of stolen agricultural products, including sunflower seeds, to the aggressor state.

The official also provided accommodation for russian occupation units in the homes of local residents fleeing the invaders.

He supplied the russian military servicemen with food packages and helped repair their vehicles at affiliated service stations.

For this, the man received a ‘federal advisor status’ from Saldo and a pass that allowed him to move freely in the area.

During the searches of the suspect’s home and office, the SSU seized computers, accounting documents and records confirming his crimes.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators served the detainee a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 111-2.1 (aiding the aggressor state);
• 27.5, 438.1 (aiding the violation of other laws and customs of war).

The suspect is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Crimea Office under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.