An official of the occupiers from Kherson was sentenced to a quarter of a million bail

In Kherson, another official was exposed who not only remained at work during the occupation, but actually became part of the invaders' management vertical. The man controlled the key business processes of the pseudo-ministry and influenced the work of the entire institution.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv.

According to the investigation, the citizen of Ukraine, a native of Kherson, voluntarily agreed to cooperate with the occupation administration no later than July 2022. He took the position of Head of the Department of Organizational Work and IT of the Department of Agro-Industrial Complex of Kherson Region in the Department of Agro-Industrial Complex, which was later reorganized into the occupiers' "Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries".

The investigation found that after the reorganization of the structure, the suspect actually headed the administrative and economic direction of the institution. He was responsible for material support, staff organization, building security and the overall functioning of the units.

The key evidence in the case was the testimony of witnesses who worked with the suspect during the occupation. In particular, the accountant of the institution confirmed that he held a managerial position and controlled administrative activities, including security and maintenance of the institution. She also recognized him during the procedure from photographs.

Another witness, a former employee of the 'ministry', said that he had interviewed the suspect. According to him, he was responsible for the life support of the institution: electricity and heat supply, office supplies, furniture and other resources. The witness also confirmed the suspect's identity during a lineup.

Another woman reported that she was hired through the suspect and was subordinate to him. According to her, he was in charge of the economic part, responsible for the availability of electricity and water, and gave instructions on property inventory and cleaning.

Similar testimonies were given by other employees of the institution, including the head of the office, who confirmed that the suspect actually served as the head of economic affairs, as well as the building security guard, who pointed out his role as responsible for organizing the work of the facility.

In addition, the investigation received documents from another criminal proceeding confirming that the suspect held relevant positions in illegal authorities and performed managerial functions.

In April, the man was served a notice of suspicion of collaboration. The judge remanded him in custody until June 6, 2026, with the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 266,240. If bail is granted, the suspect is subject to a number of obligations.

Also in April, the Security Service of Ukraine served a notice of suspicion of collaboration on the so-called acting Minister of Sports of the occupation administration of Kherson region, Olena Kirillova.

Анна Бальчінос