The clandestine storage contained 19 tank engines and other components for armored vehicles worth total of USD 1.5 million.

These parts are enough to repair half of a tank battalion.

The SSU has established that the illegal storage facility was equipped by a 61-year-old resident of Kharkiv. He conspired with employees of local enterprises of the military-industrial complex and organized the theft and storage of 5TDFA tank engines.

According to the investigation, they planned to hand over the stolen units to Russian military if they enter Kharkiv. Russian T-64 tanks are still equipped with engines of this modification.

Significantly modernized, more powerful engines have been installed on Ukrainian tanks of this type since the beginning of the 2000s.

The SSU investigators have opened criminal proceedings under Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law).

Investigative and operational activities are underway to identify all those involved in the crime.