The Security Service of Ukraine has detained two more participants of an espionage network operated by the FSB, which was active in Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The criminals adjusted missile-drone strikes by Russia on the military infrastructure of Ukraine's Armed Forces.
Under the assignment of the Russian special service, a 23-year-old resident of Odessa and his 18-year-old fiancée conducted reconnaissance of locations of the maritime border guards defending the waters near the port city. To obtain intelligence, the suspects toured the area disguised as an engaged couple, taking photos against the background of "targeted" objects.
Based on the acquired information, the traitor prepared an espionage report for his FSB handler from the Eastern Military District of Russia, whose identity has already been established by the SSU. In case of receiving relevant intelligence, the occupiers planned to use it for air strikes on the locations of Ukrainian defenders.
However, the SSU foiled the enemy's plan and caught the suspects red-handed while they were conducting surveillance near a potential target. During the investigation, it was established that the Odesa resident also had a task to distribute 100 provocative leaflets against mobilization throughout the city and to sabotage a local electrical substation. According to the investigation, the young man came into the spotlight of the occupiers in May of this year through anonymous chats on a Telegram channel discussing ways to evade mobilization. After recruitment, he involved his girlfriend in subversive activities.
During searches at the suspects' residence, mobile phones with evidence of crimes were seized. A bank card receiving funds from the FSB and a batch of anti-Ukrainian leaflets were also discovered.
Currently, the SSU investigators have informed the Russian agent about suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason committed during wartime).
The criminal actions of his accomplice are classified under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorized dissemination of information about the movement of weapons into Ukraine, movement, or location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, if possible to identify them in the terrain).
Currently, the agent is in custody, and measures are being decided regarding his accomplice. They face imprisonment ranging from 8 years to life.
