Arson of Administrative Buildings: Case Details Revealed
Under the procedural guidance of the Odessa regional prosecutor's office, a local resident has been charged with intentional destruction of property by arson (part 2 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
According to the investigation, the suspect received an offer via a messenger app to set fire to administrative buildings in exchange for financial compensation. He was also promised safe passage abroad in case of 'danger.'
To achieve his objective, the individual meticulously coordinated the targets of his criminal activities and the amount of the agreed reward. Adhering to covert measures, he utilized dark clothing and gloves, which significantly complicated his identification.
Subsequently, the suspect prepared the necessary materials for committing the crimes, including plastic bottles filled with gasoline, and arrived at the chosen locations. He poured fuel on windows and walls, ignited them, and recorded his actions on video.
From October to December 2024, he executed a series of arsons at postal offices and administrative buildings of local governance. He documented his actions on video for reporting back to the client, receiving payment to his electronic wallet.
Law enforcement apprehended the perpetrator while he was executing another task: setting fire to the building of the Pension Fund management in the Ovidiopol district.
At the request of the prosecution, the suspect has been ordered to be held in custody.
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the 1st Police Department of the 2nd Regional Prosecutor's Office of the Odessa region, with operational support from the National Police and the Security Service of Ukraine in the Odessa region.
Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until proven guilty in a lawful manner by a court verdict.
