A former Crimean "energy minister" who worked for russia has been detained in Kyiv

"The Security Service detained in Kyiv the former chairman of the Republican Committee of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for Fuel, Energy and Innovation Policy, who, after the temporary occupation of the peninsula in 2014, chose to collaborate with the enemy", - the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on June 30.

According to the statement, almost immediately after the temporary annexation, he obtained russian citizenship and offered his assistance to the rashists. He was then appointed by the local gauleiter Aksyonov as the so-called "Minister of Fuel and Energy of the Republic of Crimea".

The report also states that in this "position", the suspect helped the russian occupation administration establish control over the peninsula's strategically important energy infrastructure.

"This includes the Simferopol and Sevastopol combined heat and power plants, the Tavriiska Thermal Power Plant, networks of solar and wind power stations, gas pipelines and gas compressor stations, oil depots, and oil terminals in Kerch and Feodosia. For two years after his 'appointment', the suspect also attempted to integrate and 're-register' Crimean energy assets in accordance with the legislation of the aggressor state", - the statement said.

The security service noted that after his "dismissal" from the occupation government, the suspect continued working in the interests of the kremlin regime by heading several local companies in the extractive industry.

SBU officers detained the suspect in the Ukrainian capital, where he had arrived to attend to personal matters.

During searches of the detainee's residence, officers found russian passports, bank cards, and documents confirming his work in russia.

Investigators from the Security Service notified him that he is suspected under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason).

"The suspect is being held in custody without the possibility of release on bail. He faces up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property", - the SBU noted.