SBU CI experts blocked the distribution channels of damaging information from Russia and so-called DNR using “bot farms”.

SBU operatives established that telecommunications platforms were used to create and promote fake profiles and communities in the interests of Russia and illegal armed groups. According to the curators’ plan, the mass dissemination of false data in Ukrainian media before local elections could have undermined the situation in Ukraine.

The fraudsters used SIM cards of Ukrainian and Russian mobile operators to set up illegal business. As a result, SBU officers identified all the suspects who are currently in Ukraine. Moreover, they received money from customers via banned Russian payment systems.

During searches in Kyiv and Donetsk regions, the law enforcement found and seized computer hardware with installed application software, telecommunications equipment, in particular, 4 GSM gateways supporting 32 channels each, 4 SIM banks with 128 and 32 channels, as well as 6 VoIP gateways with 32 channels. Additionally, SBU officers confiscated 8,000 SIM cards and drafts on registration of social media users who posted provocative content to harm state information security.

The issue of involvement of special and intelligence agencies of so-called DNR and Russia in the mentioned illegal activities is being checked.

The pre-trial investigation upon the fact of terrorist group or organization establishment is under way.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Department of the CI Protection of the State’s Interests in the Sphere of Information Security, the SBU Main Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of the Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.