Man suspected of setting seven cars on fire detained in Kyiv
That is according to the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv, Ukrinform reports.
The suspect is a 35-year-old Kyiv resident who had previously been prosecuted for property-related crimes.
The investigation established that he had been contacted via a messenger app by an unidentified individual who offered him money to set fire to vehicles belonging to military personnel. The suspect then used a flammable substance to set seven cars ablaze in the Solomianskyi district.
In the last two incidents, seeking to obtain payment, the suspect selected civilian business-class vehicles, removed their license plates, replaced them with military plates, set the cars on fire, and filmed the blaze for the client.
Police detained the suspect. During a search of his residence, officers seized a number of pieces of evidence confirming his involvement in the series of arsons.
Investigators have served the man with a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – willful destruction or damage of property by arson. The most severe penalty under this article foresees up to ten years of imprisonment.
The Security Service of Ukraine has recorded increased efforts by Russian special services to recruit Ukrainians. In particular, Russians have been posing as Ukrainian law enforcement officers and, under various pretexts, coercing citizens into preparing arson attacks, terrorist attacks, and acts of sabotage.
