The SBU has notified a farmer from the Kherson region that he is suspected of aiding the Russian Federation

SBU investigators have notified Volodymyr Derkach, the owner of two businesses in the Henichesk district, that he is suspected of aiding Russia. The businessman was summoned for questioning at the security service’s investigative department in the Kherson region.

The Office of the Prosecutor General madethe allegations public. 

The suspect faces imprisonment for a term of 10 to 12 years, along with a ban on holding certain positions or engaging in certain activities for a term of 10 to 15 years, and confiscation of property.

The case file states that the 56-year-old native of the village of Novovasylivka in the Kherson region voluntarily collaborated with the enemy after the region was occupied. As the owner of the “Urozhay-II” farm and the private enterprise “Tavria Resort Complex,” Derkach re-registered his businesses under Russian law.

In addition, the businessman opened accounts in Russian banks, switched payments for his own enterprises to Russian rubles, and used them to pay salaries to his employees. Thus, according to the investigation, he facilitated the region’s integration into the Russian Federation’s banking system.

Investigators also established that the farmer transferred material assets—oxygen cylinders, batteries, fuel filters, and other equipment—to the occupying basin water resources administration.

According to law enforcement officials, Derkach also systematically participated in the filming of propaganda segments for the “Tavria” television channel and the Telegram channels of the occupying authorities. In interviews, he portrayed the invaders’ activities in a positive light and reported on the integration of the agricultural sector into the Russian system.

Юлія Калабайда