The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a high-ranking representative of the occupation administration in Crimea in Kyiv. The suspect, who previously held the post of so-called "Minister of Fuel and Energy" of the peninsula, was arrested in the Ukrainian capital on suspicion of high treason. According to sources in law enforcement agencies, the individual is Sergei Ivanovich Kolobov.
Career in the Service of the Aggressor
According to investigation materials, the suspect began cooperating with Russian occupiers immediately after the start of the temporary annexation of Crimea. Kolobov obtained Russian citizenship and voluntarily offered his services to the occupation administration. Subsequently, he was appointed to the position of "minister" in the falsified government of the peninsula, which was headed by Sergey Aksyonov.
During two years in this position, Kolobov was involved in integrating strategically important energy objects of Crimea into the Russian system. His tasks included re-registering assets under the legislation of the aggressor state and transferring control over infrastructure to the management of the Russian Federation. After completing his work in the "government," he continued his activities in the interests of the Kremlin, heading a number of companies in the extractive industry.
Evidence and Search
The arrest took place in Kyiv, where Kolobov had come for personal matters. SBU officers conducted a search at the suspect's place of residence. During the investigative actions, physical evidence of his collaborationist activities was seized: Russian passports, bank cards, and documents confirming his official employment and status in the Russian Federation.
Investigators informed the man of the suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — high treason. The court chose a preventive measure in the form of detention without the right to post bail. For committing this crime, Kolobov faces up to 15 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Context: Fight Against Corruption in Energy
This arrest takes place against the backdrop of increased attention by law enforcement agencies to the energy sector. In February 2026, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) detained the former Minister of Energy of Ukraine, German Galushchenko. He was caught attempting to cross the border by train.
Galushchenko is accused of money laundering through foreign funds and participation in corruption schemes. Unlike the Crimean "minister," the former official was given the opportunity to be released on bail in the amount of 150 million hryvnias, which was posted the day before.