Ukraine’s police tell details of assassination attempt on deputy head of State Tax Service

This was reported by the National Police.

It is noted that the police were able to prevent the attack at the very moment when the suspects with prepared bats were already heading towards Yevhen Sokura as he was leaving the entrance of his house. 

"Law enforcement officers received information about preparations for an attack to inflict bodily harm in advance, so yesterday at 8 a.m. they detained the attackers directly during the attempted crime, thus actually saving the official," the statement said.

It is also noted that in addition to the bats, the men had a photo of Sokur and his car, which indicates the nature of the crime.

The suspects were previously convicted 27-year-old and 31-year-old citizens. The men have been detained, and investigators are establishing the identity of the attack's mastermind.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed this information in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine.

"I can confirm that the National Police prevented an attack on the Deputy Head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine. Criminal investigation operatives worked effectively," the minister said.

Earlier, the incident was reported on telegram by Danylo Hetmantsev, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy.

"Some rumors have been leaking out since yesterday, but the police asked us not to disclose any information until the morning. Until the morning. So I will answer everyone at the same time now. Yes, yesterday at 7:50 a.m. there was an attempted assassination of Deputy Head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine Yevhen Sokur. The attack took place in the city center," he wrote.

According to him, the customers are "schemers" who have lost business and crossed the line.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict of guilty.

• Earlier it became known that Russian intelligence services were preparing to eliminate the head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. The Security Service of Ukraine prevented the assassination attempts.