The SSU cyber specialists blocked a powerful bot farm that worked for the special services of the aggressor state. As a result of operations in Kyiv and Vinnytsia region, five of its organizers, who carried out information sabotage against Ukraine, were exposed.

Specialized equipment of the enemy ‘cell’ allowed to daily register more than 500 anonymous accounts in various social networks, including those banned in Ukraine.

These fake accounts were used to spread kremlin’s propaganda in the Internet.

The accounts massively disseminated disinformation about the situation at the frontline, as well as justified russia’s armed aggression.

Such fake messages were submitted on behalf of ‘ordinary’ citizens who supposedly live in Ukraine, in particular in the temporarily occupied areas.

According to the investigation, the bot farm was organized by four residents of Vinnytsia region, and its technical side was ensured by a resident of Kyiv.

The group offered ‘services’ to spin destructive content from russia.

The main clients were representatives of russian special services, who used ‘bots’ to impose ruscist ideology and moscow lies about the war in Ukraine.

Through fictitious persons, the enemy bought anonymous accounts and used them for information and subversive activities.

For each ‘bot’, the dealers received reward by electronic transfers through russian payment systems.

During the searches at the administrator’s home and at the bot farm facility, the law enforcement found:

• computer equipment with evidence of unlawful activity;
• thousands of SIM cards of different mobile operators;
• special software.

The seized equipment has been sent for examination.

Criminal proceedings were opened under Article 361.5 of the CCU (unauthorized interference with computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks). The investigation is ongoing.

Investigators are preparing notices of suspicion; court is to decide on the measure of restraint.

The SSU Office in Vinnytsia region carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.