The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has issued a notice of suspicion in absentia to Serhiy Gutenko, a cleric from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the Luhansk region, for alleged collaboration with Russian forces. According to the SBU, Gutenko, who serves as a rector in the temporarily occupied Luhansk, operates a jewelry business that supplies gold items to Russia and produces jewelry for Russian occupation groups and the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The SBU has documented that Gutenko’s business is involved in financing the Russian occupation administration by paying “taxes” to the occupying authority. His company is reportedly engaged in expanding its jewelry sales in Russia and throughout the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine.
In addition to his clerical duties, Gutenko’s business caters to Russian Orthodox Church representatives who purchase gold and silver items. The SBU has collected evidence suggesting that Gutenko’s activities contribute to the budget of the Russian Federation.
Following the occupation of Luhansk, Gutenko re-registered his company in line with Russian regulations and increased its sales to Russia. The SBU has charged him under Part 4 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to collaboration with foreign aggressors. Comprehensive efforts are underway to bring Gutenko to justice.