The former owner of a well-known aircraft engine manufacturer in central Ukraine has been arrested and charged with treason, Ukrainian media reported on Saturday, citing sources close to the security forces.

OUR Vyacheslav BochuslayevThe “honorary chairman” of “Motor Sich” in the city of Zaporozhye, the capital of the Zaporozhye region, was taken into custody and taken to Kyiv in a cortege.

Ukrainian media reported that Mr. Bochushlaev, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament, allegedly cooperated with Russian troops holding parts of four regions of Ukraine and offered them assistance.

The city of Zaporozhye remains under the control of the Ukrainian armed forces. The region of the same name is one of four that Russia has declared annexation, which is not recognized by the international community.

Journalist Iryna Romalyska, in her Facebook post, also citing sources in the Ukrainian special services, said that Mr. Boguslaev is known for his pro-Russian position, allegedly supplying spare parts for helicopters and aircraft to Russia, and has contacts with Russian special services.

Motor Sich is a well-known manufacturer of aircraft engines, and also produces industrial turbines. In 2021, Ukrainian authorities prevented attempts by Chinese companies to acquire it.