SBU shows footage of detention of UOC-MP priest who sold weapons to criminals
The rectors of the UOC-MP church in Kherson region were detained on the fact of clandestine sale of weapons and ammunition left after the retreat of Russian troops.
This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police.
Law enforcement officers established that a 42-year-old resident of the Kherson suburbs was looking for a buyer to purchase weapons. The priest searched for his clients through his own connections, including in criminal circles.
According to the investigation, the cleric kept arsenals of Russian weapons in 2 caches. One of them is right on the territory of the construction of a new UOC-MP church in Kherson.
The defendant was detained “red-handed” while trying to sell two Igla portable anti-aircraft missile systems with components. In addition to these man-portable air defense systems, the priest offered to purchase powder charges for RPG-7 hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. He estimated their value at 115 thousand hryvnias in equivalent (the National Police indicates 111 thousand hryvnias).
During a search at the seller’s residence, investigators found 2 powder charges and 5 rounds of ammunition for a grenade launcher.
In addition, the priest himself told law enforcement officers that he had hidden more weapons and ammunition in the basement. More than 1,500 rounds of 5.45 mm ammunition, about 900 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 3 F-1 grenades with fuses, a PKM machine gun, an AK-74 rifle, 5 loaded magazines and 5 bayonet knives were seized.
The defendant was served a notice of suspicion under part. 1 Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives. He faces 3 to 7 years in prison.
The court imposed on him a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention with the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 214 thousand. The necessary investigative actions are underway to establish the origin of the seized weapons and ammunition.
