The SSU investigation has led to conviction of a member of IAFs of the so-called L/DNR to 11 years in prison. The criminal was involved in torture of military servicemen of the ATO forces and locals of the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region.

The investigation established that the convict was a member of the group headed by Bezler, subversive agent of the Russian military intelligence.

Instructed by Bezler, the individual filmed ‘interrogations’ of Ukrainian captives. He then edited and posted forced ‘confessions’ on the Internet, including on militants’ websites.

The fabricated videos were also used by Russian special services to carry out information operations against Ukraine.

In a special operation in June 2020, the SSU Counterintelligence detained the suspect in Mariupol.

According to the investigation, the detained individual was a local who in 2014 voluntarily joined Bezler’s group. There he was appointed ‘assistant on propaganda and information operations’.

The criminal took part in physical abuse of hostages. Victims were illegally kept in the premises of former Horlivka police station.

The court found the perpetrator guilty of crimes under:

• Article 258-3.1 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization),
• Article 438.1 (violation of laws and customs of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The Main SSU Directorate in Donetsk and Luhansk regions carried out the operation and investigation under the supervision of Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

The SSU continues to expose, detain and prosecute members of illegal armed formations for crimes against Ukraine’s state security.