Arsonist exposed in Odesa preparing sabotage in shopping mall

One burnt car in the center of Odesa led law enforcement to a serial arsonist who was preparing an attack on a shopping center building. While the customer remains in the shadows of social media, the perpetrator is counting his days in jail.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, in early February 2026, the suspect was looking for a part-time job on Telegram and established contact with an unknown customer. The latter offered him money for setting fire to cars, including those that may belong to the military, law enforcement or commercial structures.

To fulfill the task, the man received money on his bank card, for which he bought gasoline and a canister. Later, he prepared the fuel mixture by pouring it into a more convenient container and went in search of the target.

On the morning of February 9, the suspect found a 2013 Ford Mustang in the center of Odesa. After making sure that no one was watching him, he poured gasoline on the hood and windshield and set the car on fire with a lighter. As a result of the fire, the vehicle sustained significant damage - the engine compartment, body and other elements were damaged.

On the same day, the perpetrator received payment for the arson in two transactions amounting to UAH 25 thousand.

The investigation also found that the suspect could be preparing for new crimes. In particular, the arson of the building of the territorial recruitment center. During the inspection of his phone, law enforcement officers found correspondence with the customer, which indicated a willingness to perform similar tasks in the future.

Since the suspect was preparing to set fire to the TCC building, he was detained and taken to the relevant unit. After conducting counterintelligence measures, it turned out that he was also involved in the car arson, which was fully confirmed during the pre-trial investigation.

The court noted that there are risks of the suspect's escape and committing new crimes. The man does not have a permanent job, a stable place of residence and social ties in Odesa, and has previously lived abroad.

In view of this, the court decided to extend the detention until May 25, 2026. At the same time, the court determined the possibility of posting bail in the amount of UAH 266 thousand. If bail is paid, the suspect is obliged to comply with a number of restrictions, including not leaving his place of residence without permission and handing over documents for traveling abroad.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing - investigators are awaiting the results of examinations and collecting additional evidence in the case.

Also in Odesa, a nighttime arson attack on a car belonging to the NGO Military Chaplains of the Carpathians resulted in a real prison term for a foreigner. The court found that the crime was carefully planned, and the perpetrator already had criminal experience.

Анна Бальчінос