In Odesa, the SSU Counterintelligence detained a supporter of ruscism who was looking for ways to approach russian intelligence services to pass to them information on Ukrainian defenders.

First, the traitor contacted the administrator of a pro-kremlin Telegram channel disseminating information on movements of Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

To obtain intelligence, the spy tried to hack into the phone of an acquaintance, a Ukrainian military woman, whose husband is an artillery battalion commander in the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the eastern front.

According to the investigation, the woman came to Odesa from Kramatorsk to visit her relatives and temporarily stayed with her friends. Having learnt that she served in the AFU, the enemy informant was waiting for ‘instructions’ from russian special services on how to hack the device.

However, the SSU timely exposed the suspect and prevented his criminal intentions.

During the operation, the SSU also learnt about the man’s involvement in collecting intelligence on air defence systems in Odesa region.

To gather data on their geolocations, he regularly drove in the region, as well as asked his acquaintances hoping they would unwittingly provide some information.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators served the detained individual a notice of suspicion under Article 114-2.2 of the CCU (unauthorized dissemination of information on shipment, transfer of weapons, armaments and ammunition to Ukraine, movement, transfer or deployment of the AFU).

The suspect is in custody, facing up to 8 years in prison.

The SSU Office in Odesa region carried out the operation under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.