The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified another Russian serviceman involved in mass torture of prisoners of war and civilians in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhya Region.
In a Telegram post, the SBU identified him as Col Zelimkhan Agmerzoev, commander of the 3rd company of the police regiment of the federal department of extra-departmental security service of the Russian Guard Troops in the Chechen Republic. After the capture of Melitopol District, he formed and led punitive units that carried out repressions in the area. On Agmerzoyev's orders, his subordinates brutally tortured Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians in the occupied settlements. During the torture, he personally called the victims' close relatives and demanded money from them to stop the physical abuse of prisoners and abductees.
It has been documented that Agmerzoev demanded UAH 500,000 from the wife of a Ukrainian soldier who was captured by the Russians during the fighting on the southern front. In case of non-payment of the money, he threatened to mutilate and kill the Ukrainian prisoner. In addition, he demanded $20,000 from the relatives of two abducted residents of the district. In return for this amount, he "guaranteed" to stop the abuse and let the victims go home.
Based on the collected evidence, the SBU served Agmerzoyev a notice of suspicion under Part 2 Article 28 and Part 1 Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy). Comprehensive measures to bring him to justice for crimes against Ukraine are under way. He will be found and punished regardless of his whereabouts, the SBU added.
The investigation was conducted by the SBU office in Zaporizhzhya Region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor's office.