A Kherson-based driver for Russian intelligence services has been sent to prison

While Kherson was under occupation, a local resident used his own boat to transport Russian soldiers, weapons, and ammunition across the Dnipro River. He also helped the occupiers seize property belonging to local residents.

This was reported by Intent, citing a ruling by the Kherson City Court.

According to the investigation, during the occupation of Kherson in 2022, the defendant used his own motorboat, the “Crimea,” to transport Russian soldiers, weapons, and ammunition across the Dnipro River. According to eyewitness accounts, he regularly transported the occupiers from the “Panorama” hotel complex, where representatives of the Russian special services were based, to the temporarily occupied towns of Oleshky and Hola Prystan.

In addition, in September 2022, the man arrived at the “Koshovyi-2” boat dock in Kherson accompanied by armed Russian soldiers. There, he demanded that boat owners show their vessels and documents, as well as bring them into compliance with Russian law. Those who refused or lacked the necessary documents were threatened with having their property confiscated.

According to the court, after such inspections, garages and boats were marked with the letter “z.” It was also established that, with the defendant’s involvement, the occupiers seized a Capri motorboat belonging to a local resident. The boat was transferred for use by Russian military personnel.

During the trial, the man did not admit his guilt. He claimed that he was transporting only civilians and did not assist the occupying forces. The man also stated that on the day of the inspections, he was at home at the pier celebrating his wife’s birthday.

However, the court found these explanations to be false. The man was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The boat “Crimea,” which was used to assist Russian military personnel, was also confiscated.

In May, a resident of the Kherson region suspected of aiding the aggressor state was remanded in custody in absentia. According to the investigation, the farmer collaborated with Russian military personnel, supplying them with equipment and grain, and helped set up the occupiers’ positions in the Henichesk district. 

Анна Бальчінос