The SSU Main Directorate for Internal Security continues its systematic efforts to cleanse the Service of malicious individuals who have acted to the detriment of Ukraine’s national security. In addition, this unit is taking comprehensive action to protect honest employees who are ‘hunted’ by the russian intelligence services.

In 2026, the Service’s Internal Security Directorate notified 81 individuals of their status as suspects, 20 of whom are SSU officers implicated in illegal activities.

Among those detained are russian terrorist agents, moles who spied on the enemy’s behalf, as well as participants in fraudulent and illegal schemes. The Internal Security Directorate places special emphasis on countering corruption within the Service. This process is overseen by the Service’s Acting Head, Major General Yevheniy Khmara.

‘The self-cleansing of the SSU and other units of the Defence Forces is one of my top priorities. The success of combat operations at the front and the preservation of security within the state – and thus the stability of entire Ukraine – depend on this effort. We continue to uncompromisingly root out enemy agents, traitors, and corrupt officials from all structures of the Defence Forces in general and the Security Service in particular,’ noted Yevheniy Khmara.

For instance, in March, two deputy heads of regional SSU directorates were detained for extorting money from the head of a monopoly company in the amber business.

Also, in Kyiv this past February, two enemy agents were apprehended after they used an IED to blow up a van parked next to an SSU facility. According to the investigation, the attack was carried out by a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier recruited by the enemy, who had deserted his post in the Sumy region, and his accomplice from the capital.

In addition, a scheme for mass production and sale of fake IDs of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, including the SSU, has been dismantled in the Kyiv region this year. The organiser turned out to be a former Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemember. He recruited 18 accomplices to the scheme, who produced the forgeries for sums ranging from USD 3,000 to 5,000.

The SSU’s Internal Security also exposed three SSU officers who were engaged in illegal activities in the Vinnytsia, Volyn, and Lviv regions.

Currently, all individuals involved in the aforementioned offences have been notified of their status as suspects, in accordance with the crimes committed, under the Articles of the CCU:

• 111 (high treason);
• ⁠114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU, during a special period);
• 146.2 (unlawful deprivation of liberty or kidnapping by a group of persons acting in concert);
• 187.4 (robbery);
• 190.4 (fraud);
• ⁠199.2 (circulation of counterfeit currency);
• 258.2 (terrorist act, committed by a group, by prior conspiracy);
• 332 (illegal transportation of persons across the state border of Ukraine);
• ⁠368.3 (acceptance of an offer, promise, or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public official);
• ⁠369.1 (offering or providing an unlawful benefit to a public official);
• 369-2 (abuse of influence).

The suspects face up to 15 years in prison and confiscation of property.

The operations were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office and regional Prosecutor’s Offices.