The SSU detained another organizer of the illegal referendum of the russian federation during the occupation of a part of Kharkiv region.

The offender turned out to be the head of one of the villages in the Vovchansk district, who supported the invaders after the occupation of the community.

For this, in the summer of 2022, the occupiers appointed him the assistant to the head of the local occupation administration of the aggressor country.

While in his «position», the collaborator was preparing for a pseudo-referendum on the «joining» of Kharkiv region to russia.

The defendant headed campaign groups of the russian federation, which went around the private households, urging people to participate in the «voting».

He also searched for «like-minded people» from whom he planned to form occupation «election committees».

However, the invaders failed to hold a fake plebiscite, as the Defense Forces liberated the region during a counteroffensive in the autumn of 2022.

After the de-occupation of the community, the collaborator headman hoped to avoid justice, but after a thorough collection of evidence and relevant examinations, SSU investigators served him notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 14.1, 111-1.5 (collaboration);
• 110.2 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine).

The suspect is currently in custody. He faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kharkiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.