“Poltava Arsonist” who went AWOL and threatened to set TCC on fire has been detained - VSP

The hero of the internet meme "Poltava Arsonist," whose real name is Vitaliy Chepurko, has been detained by the Military Law Enforcement Service. Through social media, he made public calls and threats regarding the commission of a terrorist act and the use of violence against military personnel. This was reported by the press service of the Military Law Enforcement Service, according to UNN.

Military law enforcement officers of the Poltava Zonal Department of the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP), together with National Police officers, established the location and detained a serviceman who had gone AWOL (absent without leave) and had also made public calls and threats via social media regarding the commission of a terrorist act and the use of violence against military personnel 

The VSP stated that during the identity check, it was established that the man is the subject of high-profile videos, known in the media space as the "Poltava Arsonist."

The man was escorted to the VSP unit to clarify the reasons and circumstances of the offenses, as well as to prepare materials for transfer to pre-trial investigation authorities to provide a legal assessment of his actions and make a corresponding decision in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation 

Currently, representatives of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are reviewing all collected materials. Investigative actions are ongoing.

Context

The "Poltava Arsonist," whose real name is Vitaliy Chepurko, became famous thanks to a Poltava television report where he described how he set fire to doors. 

"Why did I do all this? I like how it burns. People run around, firefighters arrive, everyone is in shock, their eyes are popping out. Well, for me, it's all for fun: watching them run, trying to put it out with their hands, and it burns even more. And I stand below and laugh," 

At that time, the man was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months, and in 2021, he reappeared on social media. 

In 2024, it became known that the "Poltava Arsonist" "voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

Later, the man said that he went AWOL because he "promised the guys at the 25th prison colony that he would burn down the Poltava TCC (Territorial Recruitment Center)." 

As a reminder 

In Kyiv, a veteran was beaten during a conflict with a military TCC notification group and members of a volunteer formation of the territorial community.