Under the guidance of the Chornomorsk District Prosecutor's Office, a local resident has been charged with the intentional destruction of property through arson (Part 2 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, the suspect received an offer via a messaging app to set fire to administrative buildings in the region for a monetary reward. He was also promised safe passage abroad in case of 'danger'.

To achieve his goal, the man meticulously coordinated the targets of his criminal actions and the amount of the agreed reward. Adhering to covert measures, he wore dark clothing and gloves, which significantly complicated his identification.

Subsequently, having prepared the necessary materials for committing the crimes, including polymer bottles filled with gasoline, he arrived at the buildings selected as targets. He poured fuel on the windows and walls, set them on fire, and recorded his actions on video.

Between October and December 2024, following his assignment, he set fire to several post offices and administrative buildings of local government bodies. He documented his actions on video for reporting back to the client, receiving money in his electronic wallet.

The law enforcement officers detained the perpetrator while he was executing his latest task – setting fire to the premises of the Pension Fund office in the Ovidiopol district.

At the request of the prosecution, the suspect was placed in custody.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the VPU No. 1 of the ORUP No. 2 of the National Police of Ukraine in the Odesa region, with operational support from the UKR National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine in Odesa.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.