He filmed the building of the SEC in Mykolaiv because of its beautiful architecture: the accused of espionage said that the case was fabricated

During the trial, the accused of high treason denied that he had filmed the TCC buildings for an illegal purpose‗ and noted that the case against him was fabricated.

According to the press service of the Central District Court of Mykolaiv, the court is considering an indictment against a 49-year-old local resident who in February 2023 agreed to provide a representative of the Russian Federation with information on the location and movement of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and critical infrastructure in Mykolaiv for a monetary reward.‍

According to the investigation, the accused took photos and videos of several TCCs and JVs in Mykolaiv. he sent the files to the above-mentioned representative of the Russian Federation via telegram. He also provided his bank account details to receive a monetary reward.‍ The court continued to examine written evidence, in particular, characterization materials and the conclusion of a forensic technical examination of the suspect's cell phone.

The expert found deleted files on the phone and correspondence with a person who, according to the investigation, is a representative of the Russian Federation, the files were restored and the court was to begin its examination. At the same time, the prosecutor filed a motion for time to find the files that are relevant to the proceedings. The motion was granted.‍ In addition, the court examined material evidence, namely the defendant's cell phone. Among other things, a video recording of the building of one of the TCCs and correspondence with an alleged representative of the Russian Federation, which was restored during the examination.‍

The accused categorically denied any involvement in the correspondence, noting that he was not interested in the military, and that he was filming for aesthetic reasons, in particular, his interest in architecture. He also noted that the case was fabricated.‍ However, the judge extended the terms of the defendant's detention.‍