Security Service of Ukraine Detains Man in Khmelnytskyi Region for Gathering Target Coordinates Against Defense Forces and Government Sites

Man Apprehended for Espionage Activities

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested an unemployed man from the city of Slavuta, Khmelnytskyi region, who was collecting location data to facilitate missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian Defense Forces facilities and government institutions. Acting under instructions from Russian intelligence agencies, he was intercepted at an early stage of reconnaissance, following orders to gather coordinates for attacks targeting the western region of Ukraine.

The individual, unemployed and identified through his activity on Telegram channels seeking quick income opportunities, was observed surveying the city and surrounding areas. He took photos of the exteriors of administrative buildings and military checkpoints. His next task was to locate and relay geolocations of Defense Forces’ storage facilities to Russian operatives.

Security Service Response

Ukrainian counterintelligence uncovered the man shortly after he began collecting data for planned strikes. He was detained at his home, where a search yielded a smartphone containing images of Ukrainian sites and digital coordinates marked on Google Maps.

The SBU has formally charged him under Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for unauthorized dissemination of information regarding the movements or locations of the Armed Forces during martial law. The suspect remains in custody without the possibility of bail and faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted.

"SBU officers uncovered the individual at the earliest stage of his intelligence-gathering activities-immediately after he received enemy orders to collect coordinates for future strikes in the western region," the Security Service stated.

This arrest highlights the proactive measures taken by Ukrainian intelligence to thwart terrorist plots and Russian espionage efforts within Ukraine's borders. Amid ongoing conflict and persistent aggression, such interventions are crucial for safeguarding national security and protecting vital infrastructure. Early detection and disruption of these threats significantly reduce the risk of missile strikes and terrorist attacks in Ukraine.

This recent apprehension underscores the ongoing threat of espionage in Ukraine, similar to the case involving a soldier detained for coordinating Russian strikes in the southern region. Such incidents reveal the persistent efforts by foreign intelligence to undermine Ukraine's defense capabilities. For more insights on how the SBU is tackling these threats, read about the detention of a soldier involved in directing enemy attacks.