The Security Service of Ukraine has detained a resident of Slavuta in the Khmelnytskyi region who is suspected of coordinating Russian missile and drone attacks on the region. According to the investigation, the man was gathering geolocation data on potential targets, including administrative buildings, logistics depots and Defence Forces concentration points. He was exposed after being tasked with collecting coordinates for planned shelling operations.
Briefly about the main points
- The suspect was detained at the start of the alleged intelligence-gathering operation.
- The SBU observed someone taking photographs of the administrative building and the checkpoint at the military base.
- Photos of the locations and their coordinates on Google Maps were found on the smartphone.
- The man was served with a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
- The suspect is being held in custody without bail; the offence carries a maximum sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment.
How, according to the SBU, intelligence was gathered
According to the investigation, an unemployed resident of Slavuta came to the attention of the Russian security services via Telegram channels featuring the search for «easy» money. On the instructions of representatives of the Russian Federation, he surveyed the city and the surrounding area, identifying locations that might be of interest for Russian strikes.
The SBU documented that the man had photographed the façade of an administrative building and the checkpoints at a military unit. He was subsequently due to collect geolocation data for Ukrainian military storage facilities. During a search of his home, law enforcement officers seized a smartphone containing photographs of Ukrainian facilities and electronic coordinates on Google Maps.
Suspicion and preventive measures
SBU investigators informed the detainee that he was suspected of Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code — the unauthorised dissemination of information regarding the movement or deployment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine whilst martial law is in force. The penalty for this offence is up to 12 years’ imprisonment.
The suspect is being held in custody without the possibility of bail. Counter-intelligence and investigative measures were carried out by SBU officers in the Khmelnytskyi region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.
