Engineers who helped Russia rebuild an oil refinery have been arrested in Kyiv
This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine announced the arrest in Kyiv of three employees of a project management company who are suspected of collaborating with the Russian side on the restoration of damaged oil refineries.
According to the SBU, those detained include a department head and two engineers.
The investigation claims that the suspects used specialised software to prepare the documentation required for the restoration of oil and gas industry facilities in the Russian Federation.
According to the SBU, they were carrying out orders for an engineering firm belonging to the aggressor state, which is involved in the reconstruction of previously damaged Russian oil refineries subject to sanctions.
According to the investigation, Kyiv-based designers were developing project documentation for the repair of technological systems and units at Russian oil refineries using funds from Russian clients.
This includes, in particular, drawings, diagrams and operating procedures which, according to law enforcement officials, were prepared using the latest IT products.
The SBU also stated that the suspects allegedly used private chats in messaging apps and email to communicate with Russian clients.
According to their information, security service officers documented the suspects’ activities and arrested them at their homes.
During searches of the detainees’ premises, the SBU claims that smartphones and computer equipment containing evidence of illegal activity were seized.
SBU investigators have now informed them that they are suspected of offences under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – aiding an aggressor state, committed by a group of persons acting in concert.
If found guilty, they face up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property. The comprehensive measures were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
