The SBU’s counter-intelligence unit has detained an FSB agent in the Rivne region who, according to the investigation, was coordinating Russian missile and drone attacks on the western region and was preparing to carry out contract killings of Defence Forces personnel. The man was caught during a new reconnaissance mission near a Ukrainian military installation, the security service reported.
Briefly about the main points
- Counter-intelligence detained a suspect whilst he was conducting reconnaissance near a military installation.
- Investigators believe that he was gathering coordinates for Russian attacks.
- The man asked his handler for weapons and ammunition to kill military personnel.
- To film the area, I used a motorbike and a dashcam mounted on my helmet.
- The suspect is in custody in connection with a case of treason.
How, according to the investigation, intelligence was gathered
According to the investigation, the detainee is a local unemployed man who came to the attention of the Russian security services following anti-Ukrainian comments in Telegram chats. After being recruited, he tracked the locations of Ukrainian defenders, against whom Russia was preparing strikes.
To locate potential targets, the suspect rode around the area on a motorbike and filmed the surroundings using a dashcam mounted on his helmet. He also granted the Russian security service remote access to his smartphone and messaging app accounts, through which he transmitted the coordinates of potential targets.
He asked for a weapon and tried to get hold of a drone
Investigators claim that the agent subsequently asked his handler for weapons and ammunition to carry out contract killings of Ukrainian soldiers in the region. Furthermore, he attempted to obtain a drone to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the Defence Forces’ positions.
During the searches, law enforcement officers seized a dashcam, computer equipment and a mobile phone. According to the SBU, the phone contained evidence of work for the FSB.
Suspicion of treason and a pre-trial measure
Investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have informed the detainee that he is suspected of an offence under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code — treason committed under martial law. He is currently in custody.
The SBU has reported that the suspect faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by SBU officers in the Rivne region under the procedural supervision of the Rivne Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
