Under the supervision of the Chornomorsk District Prosecutor's Office of the Odessa region, a local resident has been charged with intentional destruction of property by means of 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 commit arson on administrative buildings in the region for a monetary reward. He was also promised safe passage abroad in case of danger.

To achieve his criminal objectives, the man meticulously coordinated the targets of his offenses and the amount of the agreed reward. He adhered to secrecy measures, dressing in dark clothing and wearing gloves, which significantly complicated his identification.

After preparing the necessary materials, including polymer bottles filled with gasoline, he arrived at the selected buildings. He poured fuel on the windows and walls, set them on fire, and recorded his actions on video.

Between October and December 2024, he set fire to several post offices and administrative buildings of local government bodies, documenting his actions on video for reporting to the client. He received payments to his electronic wallet.

The authorities apprehended the suspect while he was executing another task – setting fire to the premises of the Pension Fund management building in the Ovidiopol district.

At the request of the prosecution, a preventive measure in the form of detention was chosen for the suspect.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators from the Department No. 1 of the Odesa Regional Police, with operational support from the Odesa Regional Police and the Security Service of Ukraine.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court judgment.