The SBU exposed and suppressed activity of an agent network of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Kherson region.

The network was organized by a former officer of the SBU regional office. He resigned in 2014 and was recruited by FSB officers during his trip to Russia.

By order of the Russian special service, the offender created an extensive intelligence network involving a wide range of officials:

• an SBU officer in Kherson region;
• an employee of the local prosecutor's office;
• a police officer;
• an official of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine;
• a former official of the regional state administration.

The SBU established a Moscow handler of the network, career FSB officer Vitaliy Korol, dealing with Ukrainian issues. In 2015-2016, he stayed in the separatist-held area of Donetsk region as a member of the FSB task force, aka Manhust.

SBU investigators documented numerous facts of intelligence gathering and passing through FSB closed electronic communication channels.

The Russian special service was interested in confidential information on activities and personnel of the SBU regional office, local law enforcement agencies, military units and government authorities.

Every month the FSB paid the offender for his work.

During searches, the detainees were seized of computer equipment and means of communication, Russian symbols, foreign currency (US dollars, euros and Russian rubles).

The FSB resident and his agent, SBU officer, were detained in accordance with Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. They received suspicion notices for high treason. A type of detention is to be chosen.

Urgent investigative actions against other members of the network are underway. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.