As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the SSU Counterintelligence dismantled an enemy intelligence network in Donetsk oblast.

The group consisted exclusively of local women who supported russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.

The agents worked simultaneously for the FSB and the private military company ‘Wagner’.

On the occupiers’ instructions, their accomplices collected intelligence on numbers and deployment of Ukrainian military equipment in the region.

Primarily, the women tried to identify and pass to the aggressor directions of flights of the AFU’s combat aircraft, including attack helicopters near Avdiivka.

They were also interested in routes of movement of Ukrainian heavy armoured vehicles to the frontline.

To gather intelligence, the spies walked in the area and covertly took photographs of Ukrainian facilities and targets.

The collected data were transmitted through two channels - to a handler in the FSB and a ‘Wagner’ mercenary.

Secure, closed chats in a popular messenger app were used for communication.

The SSU detained three members of the enemy network when they were conducting reconnaissance.

In addition, the SSU identified a resident (senior member) of the group who, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, moved to russia to coordinate her ‘team’ from there.

According to the investigation, all four russian assets are residents of Pokrovsk district. Before 24 February 2022, they had been recruited by the occupiers and until recently were on standby.

During the searches at the women’s homes, the SSU found mobile phones used by the suspects in reconnaissance and sabotage activities against Ukraine.

SSU investigators have served notices of suspicion to the three detainees under the Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2 (committing a crime by a group of persons, a group of persons by prior conspiracy);
• 111.2 (high treason);
• 114-2.2, 114-2.3 (dissemination of information on transfer, movement or location of the AFU or other armed formations of Ukraine).

The court has chosen custody as a measure of restraint for the suspects, who are now facing life imprisonment. Investigators will also serve a suspicion notice to the senior network’s member hiding from justice in russia.

The investigation is underway.

The SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions carried out the operation under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.