The former head of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region will stand trial for high treason. He faces life imprisonment (VIDEO)

The SBI agents have completed a pre-trial investigation against the former head of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region. He is suspected of high treason and committing criminal offences against the accepted order of military service.

It was established that on the eve of 24 February 2022, the former official knew about the high probability of a full-scale offensive of the Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine. But instead of organising work to counter the enemy, he was involved in sabotage.

Being convinced that the russian offensive would be successful, and hoping that the russian occupation authorities would take him into their account, the head of the special service of the border region took part in subversive activities against Ukraine, causing damage to the country's defence capabilities and state security.

In particular, he organised an attempt to remove the Head of the Kharkiv Regional State (Military) Administration from his duties. The purpose of this act was to prevent the Head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration from implementing the necessary measures of the martial law regime and to seize state power in the region.

He also discredited the current authorities of Kharkiv and the region through the media by spreading false information. In addition, he attempted to paralyse the region's security forces by obstructing the functioning of the unified command and control system for the region's security and defence forces.

In addition, he has deliberately failed to fulfil the tasks assigned to the Kharkiv Regional Security Service and, without any legal basis, has ordered the personnel of the Kharkiv Regional Security Service to leave the administrative offices of the Security Service and the territory of Kharkiv.

He deliberately set up conditions for handing over to the enemy the weapons, ammunition, combat support equipment and personal protective equipment stored in the administrative building of the Kharkiv Regional Security Service.

In addition, under martial law, he arbitrarily left his place of duty without a valid reason.

The former head of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region is suspected of committing criminal offences under Part 2 of Article 111 (high treason), Part 5 of Article 407 (unauthorised leaving of a military unit or place of service), Part 4 of Article 402 (disobedience) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

He faces life imprisonment. After the defense gets acquainted with the case, it will be referred to court.

Procedural guidance is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General.