A Russian militant was detained in Odesa, who in 2014 captured administrative buildings in Crimea

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has successfully apprehended a militant associated with the Russian "self-defense of Crimea" in Odesa. This individual was actively involved in the occupation of administrative buildings on the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and had managed to elude justice for an extended period due to his criminal activities against Ukraine.

According to the SSU's official statement, this individual was previously a member of the illegal armed group "self-defense of Crimea" under Russian control. In 2014, he played a significant role in assisting Russian occupiers in seizing administrative buildings in various locations on the Ukrainian peninsula, most notably in the city of Sudak. Additionally, he was responsible for street patrols, manning checkpoints, and providing "security" for pro-Kremlin gatherings organized by Russian special service representatives. During these events, the offender conducted unlawful searches of local residents and their vehicles.

For his involvement, this individual was bestowed with the Kremlin's "for the defense of Crimea" medal in 2014 by Russian occupiers.

Prior to the full-scale invasion, this militant relocated to the Vinnytsia region, pretending to be a migrant from southern Ukraine, where his relatives resided. This move was reportedly prompted by disputes with the leadership of the militant group. Subsequently, he relocated to Odesa, where he went into hiding to evade prosecution for his crimes.

Through counterintelligence operations, SSU agents located and apprehended him at his temporary residence. A search of the detainee's residence revealed substantial evidence related to his criminal activities, including the 2014 medal "for the defense of Crimea."

Based on the collected evidence, he has been charged with three articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code:
- Part 1 of Article 111 (state treason);
- Part 2 of Article 110 (undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity and inviolability);
- Part 2 of Article 260 (participation in an illegal armed formation).

He is currently being held in custody without the right to post bail. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and he could potentially face a prison sentence of up to 15 years. These counterintelligence operations were conducted in collaboration with the National Police, under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.