The SBU continues the investigation against representatives of the so-called "grassroots democracy", who followed the tasks assigned by Russia. Law enforcement conducted the searches of fake deputies’ residences and offices of illegally created "Khmelnytskyi City Council".

Pre-trial investigation claims that pseudo-deputies were coordinated by Russian special services. They also actively cooperated with pro-Russian propagandist Anatolii Sharii, who is suspected of high treason.

Within the initiated criminal proceeding, SBU investigators check the information about the involvement of suspects in the activities aimed at overthrow of the constitutional order or take-over of the government.

During the searches, the SBU seized the following items in the offices of the illegally created "bodies of local self-government and state power of Ukrainian Republic" and "territorial community of the city of Khmelnytsky":

• statutes of fake authorities;
• seals and blank forms;
• minutes of meetings;
• orders, certificates and correspondence of self-proclaimed bodies;
• agitation materials.

Also, SBU operatives confiscated cards of Russian payment systems, computer equipment, means of communication and other items that will be attached to the case.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing for actions aimed at forceful change or overthrow of the constitutional order or take-over of government.