The SSU’s cyber units have prevented the escape from Ukraine of a former people’s deputy from the banned party of regions, who helped russia carry out its armed aggression against Ukraine.

The suspect was detained near a border checkpoint in Odesa region. From there, the 60-year-old tried to travel to a neighbouring state as a person of non-conscription age.

According to the investigation, in 2020 he became a member of Bakhmut Town Council from the banned opposition platform – for life party.

After the seizure of part of the region, the person in question collaborated with the enemy and ‘re-registered’ his internet service provider under russian law. In addition, he provided the FSB with full access to the available equipment, which allowed the russian service to monitor the Internet activity of the local population.

The perpetrator himself moved to Ukraine-controlled territory and managed the company remotely.

As the head of the entity, he ordered regular payments to the russian budget as ‘taxes and fees’.

In this way, his business was financing the russian military-industrial complex and occupation forces.

The man also publicly justified russia’s armed aggression, e.g. in chats on pro-kremlin Telegram channels.

During the search, the investigators seized the suspect’s mobile phone and his records with evidence of the crime.

The detainee has been served a notice of suspicion under Article 436-2.2 of the CCU (justification, recognition as legitimate, denial of russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

His actions can be additionally qualified under other Articles of the CCU in the future. The suspect faces imprisonment.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.