Former Party of Regions MP detained while trying to flee Ukraine

A former MP from the banned OPFL,  who contributed to Russia's armed aggression, was detained near a border checkpoint in Odesa region. This was reported on Wednesday by the SBU press service, UNN reports. 

As UNN has learned from its own sources, it is Vladislav Lukyanov.

SBU cyber specialists prevented the escape from Ukraine of a former MP from the banned Party of Regions, who contributed to Russia's armed aggression. The offender was detained near a border checkpoint in Odesa region. From there, the 60-year-old tried to leave for a neighboring country as a person of non-conscription age

According to the investigation, in 2020, he became a deputy of the Bakhmut City Council from the banned OPFL. After the seizure of part of the region, he cooperated with the enemy and "re-registered" his own Internet service provider company under Russian law. In addition, he provided the FSB with full access to the available equipment, which allowed the Russian special service to control the Internet activity of the local population.

As noted, the deputy himself moved to the territory controlled by Ukraine and managed the company remotely. It was he who ordered regular payments to the Russian budget in the form of "taxes" and "fees".

"Thus, he financed the military-industrial complex of Russia and its occupation groups fighting against Ukraine," the SBU said in a statement. 

In addition, the offender publicly justified Russia's armed aggression, which he repeatedly discussed in chats on pro-Kremlin Telegram channels. Subsequently, the offender decided to flee abroad.

The deputy was served a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification, recognition of the lawfulness, denial of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorification of its participants).

The issue of additional qualification of the illegal activity of the defendant is also being decided. He faces imprisonment.

The complex measures were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.