Russian minions gathering intel on Mykolaiv defenses exposed, arrested
The Security Service of Ukraine has neutralized a network of Russian human assets collecting sensitive data on the country’s defense in the Black Sea littoral areas in Mykolaiv region.
That’s according to SBU press center, Ukrinform reports.
Three serious undercover agents were detained in a special raid in Mykolaiv region.
They scouted combat positions and movements of Ukrainian Army units, as well as locations of strategic critical infrastructure facilities across the region.
In order to conceal their efforts, the perpetrators recruited their close relatives and other local residents as their informants.
The group would pass on the information gathered to their Russian handlers via texts and attached photos with coordinates. To this end, they used a specially prepared anonymous Telegram channels.
It was established that the HUMINT network was formed by Russian intelligence including for carrying out sabotage and subversion. In addition to gathering intelligence, the perpetrators campaigned to drum up support among locals for the invasion forces and justified Russian war crimes. In such a manner, they tried to destabilize the region and expand the circle of their accomplices.
During the raid, law enforcers found computer equipment and means of communication with evidence of the illegal activities.
Detainees were charged under Part 3 of Art. 114-2 (distribution of information about the movement or location of the Army units), Part 2 of Art. 111 (treason), and Part 3 of Art. 436-2 (justification, recognition as legitimate, or denial of Russia’s armed aggression toward Ukraine) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
A pre-trial inquiry is underway to bring to justice other persons involved in the enemy asset network.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, the SBU had exposed and detained a number of spies working for Russia’s military intelligence, tasked with gathering data on Kyiv defenses and personal data of the Ukrainian military.
Four Russian agents scouted the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and locations of strategic infrastructure facilities, and also called on Ukrainians to support the Russian army.