The Security Service of Ukraine has detained an employee of a local agricultural enterprise in the Rivne region who is suspected of installing concealed smartphones near defence facilities to help coordinate Russian attacks on the western regions. According to the SBU, the devices allowed remote access for Russian intelligence services. The man has been charged and is being held in custody without the right to bail.
Briefly about the main points
- A man was arrested whilst installing a device near a military installation.
- According to the SBU, the cameras were accessible remotely by the Russian security services.
- The suspect was recruited via Telegram channels advertising job opportunities.
- The investigation alleges a completed attempt to disseminate information about the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Pre-trial measure — detention without bail.
The device was installed on the roof of an abandoned house
Pros. data According to the SBU, the suspect had installed hidden cameras on mobile phones near defence installations that Russia was targeting for missile and drone strikes. Each device could be accessed remotely by Russian intelligence officers, who intended to use it to guide attacks in real time.
Special service officers uncovered the man’s plot in good time. He was caught red-handed whilst setting up a «video trap» on the roof of an abandoned building near a military installation. The SBU subsequently gathered further evidence in the case.
Recruitment via Telegram and the collection of data on the Defence Forces
According to the case file, the Russian security services took an interest in an employee of an agricultural enterprise via Telegram channels, where they offered «easy money». Following a briefing from a representative of the aggressor state, he travelled around the area by public transport and documented sites which, in his view, were being used by the Defence Forces.
The man then installed concealed cameras in these locations and informed the Russian side that they were ready for use. During searches, smartphones were seized from the detainee which, according to the SBU, were used for covert communication with the enemy and for gathering intelligence.
Suspicion, arrest and subsequent investigation
Investigators informed the detainee that he was suspected of Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code — an attempted act of unauthorised disclosure of information concerning the movements, deployment or location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine whilst martial law was in force. This classification means that, according to the investigation, he carried out the actions he deemed necessary to complete the offence, but the offence was not completed for reasons beyond his control.
The suspect faces up to 12 years’ imprisonment. He is being held in custody without the right to bail. Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers in the Rivne region under the procedural supervision of the regional public prosecutor’s office.
