SBU experts prevented a massive cyber-attack against Ukrainian government agencies by Russian special services. The Russian handlers acted via a recruited Ukrainian hacker tasked to send a disguised spyware file to Ukrainian officials. The breach was targeted at central and local government authorities. The offenders planned to block information and critical infrastructure.

The SBU established that Russian special services online recruited a resident of Zaporizzhia. The hacker agreed to carry out subversive activities against Ukraine for money. In particular, he undertook to hack government electronic resources.

According to handlers, the offender had to send a disguised spyware file to Ukrainian officials. The mailing was planned to affect closed electronic information systems of state institutions and local governments. Customers intended to commit a break-in blocking information and critical infrastructure.

During investigative actions, law enforcement officers seized:

• electronic media with software provided by foreign intelligence services;
• correspondence with Russian handlers.

The organizer received a suspicion notice for treason.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Zaporizzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office.