The SBU cyberspecialists blocked a network of bot farms disseminating fakes about Ukraine. The perpetrators posted anti-vaccination claims and supported L/DNR terrorist organizations. It was established that the bot farm was financed from Russia through electronic wallets of banned payment systems.

The organizers of the scheme used SIM cards of Ukrainian mobile operators. During the searches, the law enforcement found and seized:

• computer equipment with installed specialized software;
• GSM SMS banking, SIM bank, GoIP gateways;
• several hundred SIM cards.

The SBU established that the illegal scheme was organized by four residents of the city of Khmelnytskyi. They placed the equipment in the rented premises of a shopping center and at the places of residence. The suspects used specialized hardware and software to create and promote fake accounts on social networks in order to spread fakes.

The suspects used part of the equipment to make money on the illegal routing of international telecommunications traffic.

The investigation upon the unauthorized interference in the work of electronic systems (computers), automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks is under way. All persons involved in illegal activities are being identified.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Department of Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in the Field of Information Security together with the SBU Office in Khmelnytskyi region and the National Police under the supervision of Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor's Office.