A Lviv court sentenced a teenager for setting fire to a military vehicle for the Russian special services.

The railway district court of Lviv issued a verdict against a local resident for setting fire to military vehicles on behalf of Russian special services. He also involved a minor acquaintance in the scheme. The teenager received a 5-year prison sentence.

According to the verdict, which was published in the court registry in January 2025, Lviv resident Artem Yamkovy found an offer to quickly make money on the Telegram messenger last July. The boy was offered to set fire to military vehicles, specifically those of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with a promise of $3,000.

Later, on Vihovskogo Street, the boy spotted a Mitsubishi Pajero that showed signs of belonging to the Armed Forces. He sent a video of this vehicle to his "curator" and, after receiving approval, set it on fire, recording the blaze on his phone. After the arson, Yamkovy received about $1,500 in his crypto wallet.

The accused Artem Yamkovy involved in the scheme his minor acquaintance, and together they began searching for vehicles. The teenagers noticed a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a National Guard emblem and a Volkswagen Crafter van with charity organization stickers. After receiving approval from their "curator," the teenagers set both vehicles on fire. Both arsonists were apprehended by law enforcement, who reported that they were teenagers aged 17 and 18, setting vehicles on fire on behalf of Russian special services.

One of the accused was suspected of obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces in conspiracy with a group of individuals and of involving a minor in unlawful activities. In court, Yamkovy admitted his guilt and requested the court not to impose a severe punishment. The victims in the criminal proceedings reported that they had been compensated for the damages incurred.

The case was handled by Judge Yuriy Boryslavskyi, who reviewed all materials and arguments from both sides, taking into account the defendant's remorse and personal data. The judge found him guilty of criminal offenses, sentencing him to 5 years in prison. The term of punishment will be counted from the moment of his arrest in July 2024. The verdict can still be appealed.

The case against the second accused will be considered separately.