SBU charges with terrorism "DPR Deputy Minister of Coal and Energy"

The Security Service of Ukraine has pressed charges against the self-styled "Deputy Minister of Coal and Energy of the DPR", who handed control over the mines in Donetsk region to the invaders.

This was reported by the SBU press center, according to Ukrinform.

According to the agency, a former high-ranking official of one of the local mining enterprises joined the "DPR" terrorist organization in 2014. He was a member of the closest circle of Russian terrorist Strelkov aka Ghirkin, on whose behalf he dealt with issues of industrial coal mining for the benefit of militant groups.

"In this position, even before the full-scale invasion, he fulfilled Moscow's instructions regarding the reconfiguration of the region's fuel and energy complex to meet the needs of the aggressor power. According to the inquiry, he directly contributed to handing main capacities of the industry, including local mines, to the enemy," the SBU notes.

In addition, according to Ukraine’s intelligence, the culprit repeatedly appeared on pro-Kremlin YouTube channels, where he publicly called for supporting Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

SBU investigators pressed charges against the suspect under Part 1 of Art. 258-3 (participation in a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The suspect is currently hiding from justice in the temporarily occupied territory of eastern Ukraine.

“However, SBU operatives are aware of his whereabouts and list of contacts, undertaking comprehensive measures to bring the perpetrator to justice," the agency said.

As reported, the State Bureau of Investigation pressed charges against a former law enforcer who voluntarily took up a position in one of the units of the Russian Ministry of the Interior, set up in the temporarily captured territory of Zaporizhia region.