Photo: SSU press service.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police in Poltava detained two young men who collaborated with Russian special services and were involved in the arson attacks on Ukrainian military vehicles. This was reported by the SSU press service.
Crimes committed: Ukrainian military vehicles set on fire
In the course of one day, the defendants burned three off-road vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kremenchuk, which had just returned from combat missions. It turned out that the detainees were two local students, aged 18 and 19, who sought to make quick money through ads on Telegram channels. They were supervised by a representative of Russia, who promised easy profits.
A systematic approach to crime
The investigation found that the young men organised their actions in pairs. They travelled around the region on regular buses in search of military vehicles, after which they “coordinated” their targets with a Russian supervisor. The defendants recorded all the arsons on their mobile phones and sent video reports to Russia.
During the detention, the suspects were found to be in possession of mobile phones and tools used for arson attacks. Under Ukrainian law, they were served with a notice of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine).
Consequences of criminal activity
The detainees are currently in custody and face up to 8 years in prison. The operation was conducted by the SSU in Poltava region jointly with the National Police under the supervision of the Poltava Region Prosecutor’s Office.
This incident highlights the danger posed by criminal elements acting for the benefit of enemy intelligence services and demonstrates the proactivity of Ukrainian law enforcement in the fight against terrorism and hostile provocations on the territory of Ukraine.
