The SSU Counterintelligence detained a member of an intelligence network working for the DNR terrorist organization. The network was supervised by an employee of the so-called Ministry of State Security of DNR.

The SSU operatives identified that the agent was a resident of Volnovakha and was recruited in late 2020 by an acquaintance who defected to militants. For ideological reasons and payment, the woman agreed to carry out assignments and collect intelligence.

Her handler was deputy chief of the militants’ counterintelligence unit, which is directly controlled by Russian special services. This handler is a traitor, a former employee of a Ukrainian law enforcement agency; since 2014 on the wanted list for defection.

The woman was instructed to gather information on the location of units of a separate mechanized brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces near the contact line in the vicinity of Granitne. Having a degree in topography for mining industry, the agent professionally marked Ukrainian positions on maps.

She passed the intelligence through electronic communication channels. Handing over the data on armaments and military equipment of Ukrainian Armed Forces, which this spy gathered, poses a threat to the state sovereignty, territorial integrity and defence capability of Ukraine.

The SSU Counterintelligence detained the agent at Novotroitske checkpoint. She was headed to meet her supervisor for new instructions and payment, which she refused to receive to her bank card.

As a result of a personal search, searches of the suspect’s home and of a cache in a non-residential building, the law enforcement seized:

• mobile phones and a laptop with evidence of illegal activity;
• maps with positions of Ukrainian military.

The SSU investigators notified the woman of suspicion of the crime under Article 258-3.1 (creation of a terrorist group or terrorist organization, support of its activity) of the CCU. The court has chosen detention as a measure of restraint.

The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The pre-trial investigation is underway to identify and bring to justice other members of the network.

The SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions carried out the operation with the coordination of the SSU Counterintelligence Department together with the State Border Guard Service and under the supervision of Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.