The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has uncovered a scheme used to fund the terrorist organization "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR) by Zhdanivska Coal Mine PrJSC officials.

"Upon 'consent' with terrorist leaders of the so-called 'DPR,' mine's director organized a few coal export operations. The received money was used for additional funding of illegal armed formations in the territory of the terrorist organization," the SBU press center reported on Tuesday.

According to the SBU, 664,900 tonnes of coal of various brands worth a total of UAH 433 million was exported from territory temporarily occupied by militants. Buyers from Zhdanivska Mine included a number of foreign companies, such as "FLAME SA" (Switzerland), "ELBERT INVEST LLP" (UK), "which apparently aren't the end receivers of the products."

The main investigative department of the SBU opened a criminal proceeding under Part 1, Article 258-5 (financial terrorism) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation continues.