The SSU and the SBI have exposed a russian intelligence network in Odesa. The group’s assignment was to carry out sabotage in the region.

For this purpose, the agents committed the following:

• collected information on law enforcement officers, pro-Ukrainian activists and ATO veterans to form the so-called ‘mop-up lists’ for the case if russians manage to capture Odesa region;
• conducted provocations and special information operations to create a false picture that ‘Odesa residents support the ‘russian world’’;
• bought weapons and related goods for russian reconnaissance and subversive groups, which the enemy planned to send to the city.

For example, on August 22, russia’s state flag day, they held a provocation in Odesa: hung the enemy tricolor with the inscription ‘Odesa is a russian city’ and passed photos of this ‘event’ to russian mass media.

The next action was supposed to be ‘congratulations to putin on his birthday’, October 7. The agents planned to create a picture that Ukrainian Odesa ‘sincerely congratulates the russian president.’

This task, as well as preparation of ‘logistical and military base’ for potential subversive and reconnaissance groups, required significant funds. To get them, they tried to kidnap a local pro-Ukrainian businessman for ransom.

The traitors were going to keep the man in the basement and, using narcotics and threatening with physical violence, to force him to re-register his property and give up other valuables.

However, due to the SSU’s proactive efforts, the criminals were detained in the attempt to kidnap the entrepreneur.

Now, SBI investigators are preparing notices of suspicion to be served to the detainees. The criminal proceeding was initiated under three articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason);
• 111-1.6 (collaboration);
• 146.3 (unlawful deprivation of liberty or abduction of a person).

The investigation is ongoing to identify and bring to justice all those involved.

The operation was conducted by the SSU, the SBI and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.