Russian Agent Apprehended in Kropyvnytskyi
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a Russian agent operating in Kropyvnytskyi on behalf of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The suspect, a 44-year-old local resident, is accused of registering Starlink satellite terminals under false identities. He has been formally charged under Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, which pertains to high treason committed under martial law. This case highlights the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russian intelligence services.
Agent's Methods and Plans
Having evaded military mobilization himself, the agent initially registered one terminal in his own name. His plan involved recruiting a relative and ten individuals with drug addictions to fraudulently register eleven more terminals. The recruitment was conducted through Telegram channels, demonstrating how modern communication tools are exploited for hostile operations. The arrest occurred near a government administrative services center.
During a search, the suspect's smartphone was seized, containing evidence of his collaboration with Russian intelligence. One of the Starlink terminals had already been blocked and blacklisted by Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation. A court has ordered the suspect to be held in custody without bail. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The SBU's swift action prevented these terminals from being used for covert Russian military or intelligence communications.