Millions of cash, pro-Russian literature and USSR passports: details of searches in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
The Security Service of Ukraine completed counter-intelligence measures in the territories of the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv, Korets Holy Trinity Monastery and in the premises of the Sarny-Polish Diocese of the UOC of Rivne region.
In total, the officers together with the National Police and the National Guard checked more than 350 church buildings and 850 people.
More than fifty people, including not only citizens of Ukraine but also foreigners, in particular citizens of the Russian Federation, were involved in in-depth counterintelligence interviews.
In particular, they were questioned using a polygraph.
Some of them provided passports and military cards of the USSR during the document check.
Some did not have original documents, but only their copies, or had passports of Ukrainian citizens with signs of forgery or damage.
During the security measures, the SBU officers found:
- pro-Russian literature used in seminaries and parochial schools, in particular to promote the “Russian world”;
- over UAH 2 million, over USD 100 thousand and several thousand Russian rubles.
All found materials will be sent for expert examination.
In addition, during the counter-intelligence measures, a 32-year-old Ukrainian, who may be involved in the illegal activities of the pro-Russian news agency Antvan in Ukraine, was on the territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
According to the SBU, this man is a trustee of Russian citizen Orlov O.V., who owns the Russian company ANTVAN GROUP of the same name.
Until recently, the Russian owned a number of land plots and catering establishments in Ukraine.
After the opening of criminal proceedings, this property was arrested.
The SBU emphasizes: security measures were carried out within the framework of current legislation.
– In its activities, the Security Service of Ukraine adheres to the principle of impartiality in relation to the activities of any religious denomination and respects the right of every citizen to freedom of worldview and religion, as defined by the Constitution of Ukraine, – the agency stressed.
On November 22, the Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police and the National Guard, searched the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv.
As explained in the agency, security measures were taken to counter subversive activities of Russian special services in Ukraine.
