SBU detains “DPR” militant, member of "Somalia" assault unit

SBU counterintelligence operatives have detained a member of the “Somalia” illegal armed group " during a special operation conducted in Donetsk region.

That’s according to the SBU press center, Ukrinform reports

The detainee is a local resident who joined the ranks of the illegal armed groups in December 2018.

According to the inquiry, the perpetrator was part of the assault unit run by the so-called "DPR", which put up armed resistance to the Ukrainian military and was involved in hostilities in the Joint Forces Operation zone near the settlement of Shyroka Balka, Pikuzy (Kominternovo district), and Dolomytne, Donetsk region.

The culprit later quit service with the “DPR” and secretly returned to the government-controlled territory, where he has been hiding away from law enforcement, trying to evade prosecution.

During a search at the perpetrator’s home address, law enforcers found: a “military ticket” issued by the occupation authorities and means of communication holding evidence of his illegal activity.

The suspect has already testified against staff members of the Russian Armed Forces who operate in the occupied areas as advisers and supervisors for the illegal armed groups.

The SBU detectives have pressed formal charges against the detainee under Part 1 Art. 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization).

The court ruled to hold the suspect in custody pending pre-trial inquiry.

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