The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has dismantled a spy network operated by agents of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odessa. The network was allegedly gathering intelligence on international organizations and volunteers in Ukraine.
The SBU apprehended the network’s leader and several accomplices during a coordinated operation in Kyiv. Searches of the suspects’ premises uncovered 15 mobile phones used for encrypted communication with their Russian handler, optical equipment, and flash drives containing incriminating evidence.
🇺🇦🇷🇺 𝗦𝗕𝗨 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗦𝗕 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested agents from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) who were engaged in espionage against prominent volunteers and officials from international organizations.… pic.twitter.com/YQ5KjqIxCM
— The Global Beacon (@globalbeaconn) January 7, 2025
According to SBU, the leader of the spy network, a lawyer based in Kyiv, was recruited remotely by Russian intelligence. Acting under FSB instructions, the lawyer organized surveillance of international organization officials and volunteers operating in Ukraine. He also enlisted accomplices from three other regions to aid in the espionage activities.
The suspects reportedly used optical devices, such as binoculars, to monitor their targets. Surveillance included tracking the addresses, vehicle license plates, and travel routes of individuals linked to foreign NGOs.
The group’s leader established observation posts on rooftops opposite their targets’ offices and compiled detailed intelligence reports. These reports were sent to an FSB handler in Russia for further use.
According to the SBU, the network was also involved in identifying targets for missile strikes, including defense factories and energy facilities in Ukraine. Investigators linked the group’s activities to recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
The detained individuals face charges of treason under Ukrainian law, particularly treason committed during wartime and in collusion with others. If convicted, the accused could face life imprisonment with the confiscation of assets.
