Former Pension Fund official from Oleshky kidnapped children from their guardians

A former Ukrainian official who sided with the occupiers was convicted in Kherson region. She not only supported the invaders but also participated in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

This was reported by the press service of the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office.

As the prosecutors established in court, the 51-year-old convict resigned from her position as head of one of the departments of the Pension Fund of Ukraine in November 2022. A few months later, she began to cooperate with the occupation authorities.

At first, the woman headed the department for children, guardianship and custody created by the invaders in the so-called Oleshky military-civilian administration. Later, she was promoted and became the "deputy head" of the occupation administration of the Oleshky municipal district.

ILLUSTRATION: kherson.gp.gov.ua

According to the investigation, she was actively building a political career under the control of the aggressor country. She joined the United Russia party, took part in pseudo-elections to the illegal "legislative body of Kherson region," and after receiving a mandate, headed the occupier-controlled council of deputies.

Prosecutors stated that in her positions, the convict openly supported the occupation authorities and implemented their policies.

She used threats and blackmail to force community members who are guardians to hand over documents with personal data. Those who refused were intimidated by the removal of children from their families, in which she was directly involved. Under the guise of "rehabilitation," she convinced families to take their children to Russia. She also demanded that the residents issue Russian passports and other identity documents.

In addition, the woman regularly appeared on pro-Russian media, gave interviews and participated in events in support of the Kremlin's policy in the occupied territory.

She was sentenced to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property, and the collaborator<span>will serve her sentence after her arrest.</span>

<span>Also in</span> Kherson, the occupiers' "Minister of Education" Mykhailo Rodikov was sentenced for supporting the pseudo-referendum and propaganda for the annexation of the region. He not only campaigned for the region's accession to the aggressor country, but was also involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children to Crimea and Russia under the guise of rehabilitation.

Анна Бальчінос