The SSU cyber units have shut down a pro-kremlin bot farm in Khmelnytskyi region.

Over 2,000 bots were spinning disinformation about the situation at the front and urging Ukrainians to evade mobilization.

The pro-russian cell also discredited Ukraine’s military and political leadership and the Defence Forces.

According to intelligence, the main ‘customers’ of the bot farm were russian special services.

They bought fake accounts and used them in popular social networks supposedly on behalf of ordinary Ukrainians.

Through information sabotage, the aggressor tried to undermine the internal political situation in Ukraine’s western regions.

The SSU established that the unlawful activity had been organized by a resident of Kamianets-Podilskyi, a former police officer.

He installed a hardware and software complex for ‘growing’ bots in his own apartment in a residential district.

The specialized equipment enabled him to register hundreds of anonymous accounts every day.

The enemy accomplice received payment through russian electronic payment systems.

During the searches at the suspect’s home, the SSU found:

• computer equipment with evidence of unlawful activity,
• hundreds of SIM cards,
• specialized hardware and software.

The seized equipment has been sent for examination.

The offender is to be served a notice of suspicion under the Article 361.5 of the CCU (unauthorized interference in the operation of electronic computers, automated systems, computer networks or telecommunication networks).

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the involved to justice.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Cyber Police under the procedural supervision of Khmelnytskyi Region Prosecutor’s Office.