SBU detained a Crimean collaborator and former occupation head of the Ministry of Energy in Kyiv
The Security Service of Ukraine has detained in Kyiv the former head of the Crimean Republican Committee for Fuel, Energy and Innovation Policy. According to investigations, after the seizure of the peninsula he obtained Russian citizenship and agreed to cooperate with its representatives.
The SBU reported that the person involved was later appointed the so-called Minister of Fuel and Energy of the Republic of Crimea. In this position, he, according to the investigation, helped establish control over the strategic energy infrastructure of the peninsula, in particular the Simferopol and Sevastopol thermal power plants, the Tavria TPP, gas pipelines, gas compressor stations, oil depots, oil terminals, as well as a network of solar and wind power plants.
The investigation also established that within two years after his appointment, he allegedly facilitated the integration and re-registration of Crimean energy assets under Russian law. After his dismissal from the so-called government, the defendant headed a number of local extractive industry companies.
According to the SBU, the man was detained in Kyiv, where he had come to settle personal matters. During searches, Russian passports, bank cards and documents were found on him, which the investigation considers evidence of cooperation with Russia.
The investigators informed the detainee of suspicion under Part 1 of Art. 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for liability for high treason. He is currently being held without bail. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.
