The State Bureau of Investigation in Ukraine has announced that three employees from a tax office in the Zaporozhye region are facing treason charges. The allegations claim these individuals aligned themselves with Russia, a move the bureau says signals a direct breach of national loyalty. The information was shared through the official Telegram channel used by the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which the case is being treated by Ukrainian authorities.
Officials describe a situation in which the defendants could face severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment, given the gravity of treason charges. At the current stage, a preliminary inquiry has been completed and a criminal case has been initiated under the treason article. This marks a formal step in the pursuit of accountability for actions that authorities say threaten the state’s sovereignty and security. The bureau emphasizes that treason cases are treated with the utmost seriousness and are investigated thoroughly to ensure proper adjudication in accordance with the law.
According to the publication released by the bureau, the three tax office employees reportedly altered their oaths following the partial capture of the Zaporozhye region and subsequently aligned themselves with the adversary. This shift, described as a voluntary decision to side with the enemy, is presented as a deliberate act of disloyalty during a period of ongoing conflict. The disclosure highlights the perceived impact of such decisions on local governance and the administration of public services in a region facing ongoing military and political upheaval.
In addition, the State Bureau of Investigation asserts that the defendants participated in the unlawful creation of what is referred to as the “Kamenka-Dneprovsk Tax Inspectorate.” Within this framework, Russian authorities allegedly assigned responsibilities for re-registering Ukrainian organizations and entrepreneurs, as well as collecting taxes. Officials contend that these actions undermined the legitimate tax system and facilitated activities that benefited the occupying forces. The description paints a picture of an organized effort to restructure administrative processes in a way that would support the occupying power and complicate Ukraine’s economic and legal landscape.
Separately, reports from Russian security services mention a Moscow resident who has been charged with treason. The claim is that this individual provided financial assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Authorities indicate that attempts to leave the country were thwarted, and the person was detained, with a court ordering a two-month detention. Over the past month, authorities in Russia have reported a series of cases involving treason and collaborations with Ukrainian organizations and security services, signaling heightened emphasis on loyalties and security in the current geopolitical climate.