Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it has uncovered a case of collaboration with Russia within the leadership of a prominent oil research and design institute in Kyiv. Five officials have been arrested for allegedly assisting Russia in restoring its oil refineries that were significantly damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks.

According to the SBU report released on 19 September, those detained include the chairman of the board, two heads of specialized departments, the chief engineer, and one of the engineers of the Kyiv-based institution. The suspects are accused of preparing design documentation for the reconstruction of three key Russian oil refineries.

The SBU states that the total value of the Russian "contracts" amounted to almost half a billion hryvnias or $12,000. This sum also included remote support by the designers for the technological processes of restoration and modernization of the damaged refineries in the aggressor country.

During searches in the suspects' office and residential premises in Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv, the SBU seized mobile phones, system units, laptops, flash drives, and draft notes reportedly containing evidence of cooperation with Russia.

Based on the evidence obtained, SBU investigators have informed the five detained officials of the design institute of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding the aggressor state). Four of them are already in custody.

The investigation is ongoing, and the suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. The SBU conducted these comprehensive measures under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.