The SSU is acting comprehensively to prevent and neutralize hybrid threats of information and subversive activities of Russian special services against Ukraine. In an operation in Zhytomyr region, the SSU dismantled a group that mass-produced fake accounts for Russia.

Through these accounts, the aggressor state disseminated destructive anti-Ukrainian content, including manipulative narratives, and carried out malign influence operations against our country.

The SSU established that two residents of Zhytomyr Region were involved in these illegal activities. They set up serial registration of fake accounts on social networks using special Russian-made software.

The program enabled them to create virtual accounts without using mobile communication services.

The group sold the accounts to Russian customers through specialized Internet platforms. The Russians paid to the offenders’ electronic wallets of non-banking payment systems banned in Ukraine.

Russian services used the accounts to spin disinformation and spread provocative material with the aim to destabilize domestic political situation across Ukraine.

The searches at the suspects’ homes led to seizure of computer equipment with special software for mass automated creation of accounts, communication devices and other evidence.

The SSU opened criminal proceedings under Article 111.1 (treason) and Article 182.1 (violation of privacy) of the CCU. The pre-trial investigation is underway.

The SSU Cyber Department and investigators of the SSU Office in Zhytomyr region carried out the operation under the supervision of Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor’s Office.