An occupation official from Crimea was exposed for collaboration in the Kherson region

In the Kherson region, the SBU is investigating the activities of Anatoliy Tereshchenko, who heads the occupation-era Ministry of Transportation. Investigators have obtained a warrant to seize bank documents that may serve as evidence in a case involving collaboration with the occupiers.

The Center for Public Investigations has examined the details of the case.

According to a ruling by the Mykolaiv Central District Court dated November 6, 2026, the SBU Office in the Kherson region is investigating the possible voluntary acceptance of a position in an illegal authority in the occupied territory.

According to the investigation, in July 2025, a Ukrainian citizen agreed to perform administrative, economic, organizational, and managerial functions within the occupation administration. This refers to the position of the so-called acting minister of transportation and transportation infrastructure development for the Kherson region.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials determined that the suspect had accounts at a Ukrainian bank. The court authorized the retrieval of documents regarding the opening and maintenance of these accounts, including signature samples, contracts, powers of attorney, copies of the client’s documents, and account statements. These may be needed for handwriting analysis. Access also includes information on mobile phone numbers linked to the accounts.

The suspect’s name is redacted in the court document, but his position and date of appointment match the biography of Anatoliy Tereshchenko. The Center for Investigative Journalism reported on his appointment on July 9, 2025.

Prior to Russia’s occupation of Crimea, he was involved in business. Since 2009, he had been registered as a sole proprietor and specialized in the wholesale trade of food, beverages, and tobacco products. 

Prior to his appointment as acting minister, Tereshchenko worked in the occupation Department of Transportation in Sevastopol, and in 2023, he moved to the occupied part of the Kherson region, where he became head of the road maintenance department and deputy to the so-called minister of transportation.

The authorization to obtain bank documents will remain valid for 60 days.

Анна Літман