In the course of counter-sabotage efforts in Kharkiv, the SSU Counterintelligence exposed another enemy accomplice.

The criminal had been hiding from justice for over 8 years for participation in the kremlin’s project ‘novorossiya’ and attempts to seize power in the region.

This person in 2014 raised the russian flag over the building of the Kharkiv City Council and called to storm the institution.

In addition, he spoke before cameras of moscow propagandists and campaigned for changing of Ukraine’s borders and seizing state authorities.

Most of such ‘broadcasts’ with his participation were filmed by the kremlin TV channel russia 1.

When moscow’s attempts to capture the city failed, the offender decided to ‘lie low’ to avoid justice.

To do this, the man constantly changed his home addresses and mobile phone numbers.

However, the SSU established his location and detained him.

During the search in the suspect’s apartment, the law enforcement found:

• russian flags and St. George ribbons;
• a sniper rifle with optics;
• a semi-automatic rifle Z-10;
• 7.62 mm ammunition for firearms.

SSU investigators notified the detainee of suspicion of committing crimes under the Articles of the CCU:

• 110.1 (encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine);
• 263.1 (illegal handling of weapons and ammunition).

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the offence, in particular, the suspect’s possible involvement in preparation of sabotage.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Counterintelligence Department jointly with investigators of the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.