The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have exposed a new technique of russian intelligence services: involving underage Ukrainians in criminal activities under the guise of ‘quest games’.

As a result of a special operation in Kharkiv, the law enforcement detained two FSB agent groups consisting exclusively of children aged 15 and 16. They were carrying out reconnaissance and arsons for the enemy and adjusted russian strikes.

To disguise their sabotage activities, the two cells operated separately.

According to the ‘rules of the quest game’, the children received geolocations from the FSB, after which their task was to get to the point, take photos and videos of the object, and provide a brief description of the area.

The intelligence obtained in this way was sent by each of the agent groups to their FSB handler in anonymous chats.

The occupiers used the data to carry out air strikes on Kharkiv.

The SSU apprehended all members of the enemy groups when they were taking pictures of Ukrainian air defence facilities near the city.

The investigation also uncovered another assignment for the assets – to burn transformers that ensure the movement of AFU echelons towards the eastern front.

SSU investigators have served the organizer of one of the groups a notice of suspicion under Article 113.2 of the CCU (sabotage, committed under martial law). The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment.

Efforts are underway to bring other members of the network to justice.

The identity of the ‘liaison’ of the agent groups has been established. He is a police officer in Krasnodar krai, russia, who cooperates with the FSB.

He will be notified of suspicion in absentia under Article 113.2 of the CCU (sabotage, committed under martial law).

The operation was carried out by the SSU Main Directorate for Internal Security and the SSU Military Counterintelligence under the procedural supervision of Kharkiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.