Under the supervision of the Chornomorsk District Prosecutor's Office in the Odessa region, a local resident has been charged with intentional destruction of property by arson (Part 2 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the investigation, the suspect received an offer through a messaging app to commit arson of administrative buildings for a financial reward. He was also promised safe passage abroad in case of danger.
To achieve his goal, the man carefully planned the targets of his criminal actions and the amount of the agreed reward. He took precautions by wearing dark clothing and gloves, making it difficult to identify him.
After preparing the necessary materials, including plastic bottles filled with gasoline, he proceeded to the selected buildings. He poured fuel on the windows and walls, ignited them, and recorded his actions on video.
From October to December 2024, he set fire to several post offices and administrative buildings of local government. He documented these acts on video for reporting to his client. Payments were received in his electronic wallet.
The law enforcement officers apprehended the perpetrator while he was carrying out another task – setting fire to the premises of the Pension Fund's office in the Ovidiopol district.
Upon the request of the prosecution, the suspect was remanded in custody.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by detectives of the VPU No. 1 of the ORUP No. 2 of the GNPU in the Odessa region, with operational support from the UKR GNPU in the Odessa region and the Security Service of Ukraine in the Odessa region.
Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.
