The Security Service of Ukraine has neutralized a powerful espionage network of the FSB, which operated in Ukraine. As a result of a multi-stage special operation in various regions, 5 members of the hostile group have been detained.
Among them were former officials of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, as well as an employee of the regional branch of the SSU.
The individuals maintained contact with the same handler - an FSB employee who is currently in occupied Crimea.
The task of this espionage network was to transfer intelligence to the aggressor about the Armed Forces and strategically important energy facilities of Ukraine.
According to the investigation materials, the former foreign intelligence officer was recruited by the FSB even before the full-scale invasion while in service.
Since then, he has been gathering information about the locations of Ukrainian military personnel, and after February 24, 2022, also about the channels for smuggling foreign weapons into Ukraine.
Additionally, the Russian agent provided secret information to the FSB about the operations and security systems of the Rivne and Khmelnytsky nuclear power plants.
For maximum concealment, the individual did not send information via phone. Instead, he transmitted intelligence to the FSB through an accomplice who traveled abroad as a volunteer and personally reported to the resident of the hostile intelligence service.
The former intelligence officer especially sensitive information on a flash drive through smugglers from border areas of Ukraine.
Another Russian agent, who had previously served in the Main Intelligence Directorate, disclosed personal data of Ukrainian defenders to the aggressor.
Another participant, an SSU employee, conducted reconnaissance for the occupiers on the geolocation of fortifications and engineering obstacles near the coast of the Odessa region.
According to the investigation, the FSB recruited members of the group, including using threats to kill their families. Additionally, the criminals received funds from the Russian Federation for each completed task.
Currently, the Security Service investigators have already informed five participants of the Russian espionage network about suspicion under Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason). Preventive measures in the form of detention have been chosen for them.
The investigation is ongoing to hold all hostile accomplices accountable.
The special operation was conducted under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
