The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) counterintelligence officers have detained an alleged Russian intelligence agent in Odessa who was collecting intelligence to prepare acts of sabotage and planning information provocations on the instructions of Russian handlers.
According to the investigation, the suspect is a 21-year-old student who came to the attention of Russian intelligence services while looking for "easy money" in specialised Telegram chats.
Acting on instructions from his Russian handlers, the suspect documented the locations of large generators in Odessa for subsequent arson attacks, monitored a critical infrastructure facility in the region and attempted to identify the home address of a Ukrainian serviceman.
In addition, the alleged agent was preparing information provocations aimed at destabilising the socio-political situation in the port city.
One of his first assignments was to hack into the control system of digital advertising displays in Odessa to broadcast Russian propaganda materials.
To carry out the task, the suspect received specialised software from his Russian handlers that would allow him to change the images displayed on advertising screens.
His next assignment was reportedly to display the Russian flag on a digital advertising screen in central Odessa.
SSU officers documented the suspect's activities over several stages before detaining him at his residence.
During a search, law enforcement officers seized a mobile phone containing evidence of his alleged cooperation with Russian intelligence services.
SSU investigators have notified the detainee that he is suspected of committing an offence under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
He is currently being held in custody without the possibility of bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
