Kharkiv customs officer, who helped occupants create russian "customs" in Kupiansk, will be tried under SBI materials

SBI agents have completed a pre-trial investigation of the senior state inspector of one of the Kharkiv customs posts. During the temporary occupation of Kupiansk, he was one of those who agreed to assist in creating the agressor customs service.

The indictment was sent to court.

After the military capture of part of the Kharkiv region, russians immediately tried to establish occupation authorities, including customs posts. To achieve this, from the first days of the invasion, the aggressors sought out locals who were willing to work for the occupiers.

One such offer was made in Kupiansk to a man who had worked at the Kharkiv customs office before the invasion. He immediately agreed and was appointed as a specialist in the so-called Department of Industry and Trade. Later he was instructed to recruit staff for establishing the occupation customs. The man actively campaigned for his former colleagues to join the enemy side, holding meetings and promising to find good jobs for those who wanted them.

After the Ukrainian forces liberated Kupiansk, he tried to hide in Kharkiv. SBI agents located his residence and arrested him. He is currently in custody.

The customs officer is accused of high treason and deliberate actions to assist the aggressor state (Part 2 of Article 111 and Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The penalty under this article is life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The case is under the supervision of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.