Arrest on Suspicion of High Treason
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested a 40-year-old local resident in the Poltava region on suspicion of state treason and collaboration. According to the investigation, the suspect documented the locations of Ukrainian military units for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and spread disinformation about Ukrainian defenders. The suspect faces life imprisonment with property confiscation. This arrest is part of a broader counter-intelligence effort to secure Ukraine's rear areas during the ongoing conflict.
Details of the Suspect's Activities
Operational information indicates the suspect evaded military conscription and came to the attention of Russian special services through his activity on Telegram channels, where he used an agent pseudonym. He conducted surveillance of Ukrainian troops, primarily at night, attempting to identify the movement routes and combat positions of mobile fire groups. A significant number of these reconnaissance forays were documented during air raid alerts near the regional center. The FSB reportedly sought information on the basing points of Ukrainian Armed Forces training centers (ranges).
During searches, a smartphone was seized from the suspect containing evidence of his criminal activity. Investigators have already notified him of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Article 111, Part 2 – state treason committed under martial law,
- Article 111-1, Part 1 – collaborative activity.
The suspect is currently in custody without the right to post bail.
This case highlights the persistent efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement to combat collaboration and treason during wartime. The SBU's operation demonstrates its focus on identifying and neutralizing threats from individuals cooperating with the aggressor state. It underscores the critical importance of information security and counterintelligence work in a prolonged conflict environment.