SBU CI documented an attempt of Russian special services to recruit a resident of border area in Chernihiv region for confidential cooperation against the national security.

Law enforcement officers established that the man regularly went to Russia on personal issues. During another visit, Russian law enforcement officers detained the suspect for alleged violations of labour legislation and conditions of stay in Russia.

Russian special service used psychological pressure and intimidation to compel an individual to sign a covert cooperation agreement. Following mentors’ tasks, the Ukrainian had to collect the information about military units and servicemen who serve in border areas with Russia. Moreover, the special service was interested in information about Ukrainian law enforcement officers and citizens who regularly go to Russia to earn money. The individual was to provide collected data during the next visit to Russia.

After return to Ukraine, the individual voluntarily contacted the SBU and provided the necessary evidence of his recruitment and tasks.

We recall that in accordance to Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, citizens who did not commit any offence requested by a foreign state, organization or their representatives, and voluntarily informed the authorities about involving in secret cooperation with foreign special service against national security, are discharged from criminal liability.

In recent years, SBU CI officers uncovered a number of attempts by foreign special services to involve border residents in espionage.

A wide range of Ukrainians are under the increased attention of foreign special services, including local self-government officials, servicemen, law enforcement officers, ATO (JFO) participants and their families, as well as ordinary Ukrainians who travel to Russia for employment, commercial purposes or family visits, etc.