SSU suppressed activity of a bot farm used to create accounts for the distribution of Russian posts. It registered almost 50,000 fake accounts creating an "alternative reality" in social media, including the Ukrainian followers.

The bot farm was organized by a resident of Kharkiv region. As an experienced IT specialist, he successfully set up fake social media accounts.

Allegedly, he created up to five accounts using one SIM-card and transferred them to customers.

The offender received reward in Russian rubles through electronic payment systems.

Bots distributed posts and comments on:

• disruption of the national vaccination program;
• justification of the Russian armed aggression in the east of Ukraine;
• discrediting the Ukrainian government.

 Searches of offender’s residence revealed:

• computer equipment with evidence of illegal activity;
• GSM gateways and SIM banks;
• 5,000 Ukrainian SIM-cards.

Investigative actions are ongoing to verify alleged offender’s cooperation with the Russian special services.

The operation was carried out by cyber experts of the SBU Office in Kharkiv region together with the investigative unit of the National Police.