SSU detains reconnaissance man of Russian group "Ghost" in Odesa

Counterintelligence of the Security Service (SSU) has arrested another member of the terrorist organization "LNR" in Odesa. This was reported by the press service of the SSU's Odesa Regional Office.

The offender is a local resident and an ideological supporter of the Kremlin regime. During the mass disturbances in Odesa in early May 2014, he actively participated in provocations in favor of the Russian Federation. To avoid responsibility for his crimes, he fled to the temporarily occupied part of the Luhansk region, where he joined the ranks of militants. He was appointed as the commander of a reconnaissance unit under the control of the Russian Federation's "Ghost" group, which was subsequently subordinated to the command of the 2nd Army Corps of the aggressor country.

Since then, the individual under the pseudonym "Santa" had been fighting against Ukrainian forces in the east of our state, including in the area of the Bakhmut Highway. However, later, he decided to leave his leaders and secretly left the territory under their control, returning to Odesa. In the city, he tried to remain inconspicuous and thus evade justice.

During searches at the locations where the offender was residing in the regional center, photographic evidence of his involvement with the terrorist "LNR" was found. SSU investigators have informed the suspect of the charges under Part 1 of Article 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization). Currently, he is in custody, facing up to 15 years in prison with property confiscation.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crimes, including the former militant's contacts with active members of Russia's occupation groups. Comprehensive measures were carried out by SSU personnel in Odesa Oblast under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.