The SSU Counterintelligence prevented sabotage on railway infrastructure in the south of Ukraine. As a result of a multi-stage special operation in Odesa region, the SSU detained an agent of the main directorate of the general staff of the armed forces of russia (aka GRU).

Over 3 kg of TNT, an anti-tank mine and fuses were seized from the perpetrator.

According to the investigation, this individual collected intelligence on transportation of military equipment, weapons, ammunition, fuel and lubricants on certain sections of Odesa railway.

The agent planned to pass the obtained information to the russian military intelligence to prepare explosions on the main logistic routes of Ukrainian Defence Forces on the southern direction.

To fulfil the enemy’s assignment, the spy installed two camera traps near the railway track in Odesa suburbs. These devices enabled him to track the movement of rolling stock in real time and receive photos via a mobile application.

For secrecy, the agent constantly changed his appearance and communication channels with his russian ‘handler’. He also used documents issued for fictitious persons, including a Ukrainian passport.

However, all that did not help him. The SSU promptly located the perpetrator, documented the crime and detained the agent when he was setting up a device for remote monitoring of the railway route.

During the detention, the SSU seized a 200 g TNT block and another camera trap from the suspect.

In the course of further investigation, the law enforcement seized from a cache previously equipped by the agent:

• 11 TNT blocks;
• a TM-62 mine with detonators.

The investigation established that the enemy accomplice was a former official of one of Odesa district police departments. After the full-scale invasion began, he was recruited by an employee of the russian GRU to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage in the region.

The detainee was notified of suspicion of treason (Article 111.2 of the CCU) and illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives (Article 263.1 of the CCU).

The decision on additional classification of his criminal actions under Article 113 of the CCU (sabotage) is pending.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Office in Odesa region carried out the operation with coordination of the SSU Counterintelligence Department under the procedural supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor’s Office.