A BBC World Service investigation has identified individuals accused of involvement in torture and abuse within Russia's secretive detention system in occupied parts of Ukraine. The probe sheds light on a network of 'torture prisons' where civilians have allegedly faced systematic mistreatment since 2014.

These detention centers are part of a broader system where the UN's human rights office (OHCHR) has reported that torture and ill-treatment of civilians are systematic and widespread. Detainees have described severe abuses, including beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and sexual violence, often with little information provided to families.

One former detainee, Liudmyla Huseinova, 64, recounted her arrest in 2019 and subsequent three-year detention. She identified Yurii Temerbek, a former Ukrainian traffic policeman who joined Russian-backed separatists, as being present during her abuse, including a sexual assault. Temerbek, now 56, is alleged to have participated in the detention system.

The investigation aims to bring accountability for alleged perpetrators who, according to survivors, appear to be living ordinary lives with their families in Russia and occupied Ukraine. Survivors believe that exposing their identities is a crucial step towards achieving justice.

Liudmyla Huseinova's arrest, she believes, was linked to her past activities supporting orphans and Ukrainian forces, and possibly sharing a photograph of a Ukrainian flag she had received. She was accused of spying by the Russian-backed groups that seized her city in the Donetsk region.

The UN has previously blacklisted Russia for suspected sexual violence in conflict zones, allegations Russia has dismissed. Ukrainian authorities report that over 16,000 civilians have been taken captive or disappeared since 2014, with cases escalating after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The BBC investigation also uncovered details about two other men accused of abusing detainees, though their identities and specific roles are still being investigated. The secretive nature of these facilities makes them largely inaccessible to Ukrainian and international justice systems.

Survivors hope that by revealing the names and alleged actions of those involved, they can push for accountability and prevent future atrocities. The pursuit of justice for victims remains ongoing amid the ongoing conflict and occupation.