In Kyiv, the SSU neutralized the unlawful activity of a private detective agency, which sold information from closed databases of state institutions.

The illegal activity was organized by a former investigator of one of Kyiv district police departments, who refused to be certified and join the police and resigned from the law enforcement in 2015.

Later, he and his friend set up a private detective agency.

Under the guise of a legitimate business, they collected confidential information on other citizens for their clients, including by obtaining data stored in state registers.

For this purpose, they used their own ‘old’ connections among officials and law enforcement officers without their knowledge.

The cost of a ‘file’ on one person ranged from USD 800 to 2,600. The price depended on the amount of personal data and urgency of the ‘order’.

For example, in addition to passport data, the ‘detailed report’ included the individual’s phone and car numbers, as well as information on border crossings and administrative offences.

The SSU detained both suspects when they received the payment for a ‘folder’ with identification data of a Kyiv resident.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, the SSU found mobile phones and computers with evidence of the offence.

The detained ‘detectives’ were notified of suspicion under Article 361-2.2 of the CCU (unauthorized sale or distribution of restricted information stored in electronic computers, automated systems, computer networks or on data carriers).

The investigation is underway.

The SSU is verifying if the ‘agency’ sold information to russians.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.