The SSU has collected evidence against another three ruscists who organized a forceful transfer of 48 Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied Kherson to russia.

The perpetrators are the russian state duma member Igor Kastyukevich, the head of the occupation ‘health department of Kherson region’ Vadim Ilmiev and the head of a local orphanage established by the aggressor.

In September-October 2022, on the russian MP’s instructions, two of his accomplices organized a covert transfer of children through the Crimea.

The deportation was carried out under the pretext of supposed ‘rehabilitation’ of the children at health resorts in the Crimea and ‘treatment’ in medical institutions of the aggressor state.

First, the victims were gathered and illegally kept in a so-called ‘children’s facility’, then - transported to the Crimea.

Based on the evidence collected, all three suspects have been notified of suspicion under Articles 28.2, 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of laws and customs of war).

The suspects are hiding from justice in russia and in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. Comprehensive efforts are underway to hold them to account for crimes against Ukraine.

The offenders are facing up to 12 years in prison.

The SSU carried out the investigation jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.