The SSU has apprehended another two organizers of russia’s sham referendum, which took place during the occupation of the right-bank Kherson region.

After the region’s liberation, both collaborators fled to other cities. One of the women was detained in Kyiv, where she tried to hide in a hostel. The other received IDP status and was hiding in a rented apartment in Chornomorsk.

At the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion, the perpetrators lived in Beryslav district, Kherson region.

After the area was seized, they supported the invaders and later joined the occupation ‘election commission’.

As ‘election officials’, they visited households and urged local population to ‘vote for the region’s accession’ to russia.

During these ‘visits’, they were accompanied by armed ruscists.

In the invaders’ presence, the collaborators threatened citizens who opposed the fake referendum with imprisonment and confiscation of property.

For their cooperation with the aggressor, the two women received a one-time monetary ‘reward’ and were allowed to move freely in the seized community.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified the detained persons of suspicion under Articles 28.2, 111-1.5 of the CCU (collaboration, committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 10 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Offices in Kherson and Vinnytsia regions under the procedural supervision of Kherson Region Prosecutor’s Office.