[71857] 'The Poltava Arsonist' Arrested: Soldier who deserted and threatened to torch the recruitment office

Arrest of 'The Poltava Arsonist' following terror threats

Ukraine's security forces have arrested Vitaliy Chepurko, publicly known as "The Poltava Arsonist", following his desertion from military service and explicit threats posted on social media. According to the Military Law Enforcement Service (VSP), the suspect was caught in a joint operation with the National Police after threatening to carry out "an act of terror and violence against military personnel."

Chepurko, a figure known in Ukrainian media for a criminal record that includes 15 prior convictions for theft and arson, as reported by hromadske, recently made headlines after documenting himself declaring his intent to "burn down the TCC" (the local recruitment center). Various Telegram channels, including STERNENKO and ТСН новини, described his actions as "psychotic" and as a real threat to public order.

Following the arrest, the suspect was transferred to VSP units for preliminary investigation, with the case being referred to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) for review. Enforcement officials emphasized, as noted in Цензор.НЕТ, that the suspect was informed of his rights and the options available to him under military law, including returning to service under certain circumstances.

Most major Ukrainian news outlets portrayed the arrest as a decisive action by law enforcement against an individual who challenged military authority during wartime. Channels such as Телебачення Торонто noted that the path from "internet stardom" to the interrogation room was short, emphasizing that the terror threat had been neutralized.