As a result of a large-scale special operation in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, the SSU Counterintelligence neutralized an extensive FSB agent network.

The group included eight local residents.

One of them used the status of an assistant to a current MP of Ukraine and a journalist’s ID as a cover.

The agents were collecting intelligence on locations and movements of the Defence Forces in these regions.

The enemy was primarily interested in the routes of military echelons and railway stations where the AFU unload weapons.

The informants were trying to gather information on locations of ammunition depots, firing positions, checkpoints and fortifications of Ukrainian troops in the frontline areas of eastern Ukraine and in Dnipropetrovsk oblast.

They also passed coordinates of strategically important bridges to the occupiers.

Members of the network recorded consequences of russian missile strikes on Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Kostiantynivka and settlements in Kharkiv region in order to adjust repeated air attacks.

During the temporary occupation of Izium and Balakliia, these enemy agents were involved in selecting candidates for local occupation administrations.

The SSU Counterintelligence documented the criminal activity of the network in stages and detained four members.

Another four remain in the aggressor state. The SSU is acting to bring them to justice.

According to the investigation, the agent network was set up by two FSB officers before the start of the full-scale invasion.

It included an agent who had previously been recruited by the honorary consul of russia in Kharkiv.

russian special services involved other members of the group remotely or during their trips to russia.

Each of them was assigned a pseudonym and an operational cover was developed.

After February 24, 2022, the FSB ‘activated’ the agents to carry out reconnaissance and sabotage against Ukraine.

The offenders transmitted intelligence to russia via a Telegram channel in the form of media files and geolocations on electronic maps.

If the oblasts are captured, the traitors ‘expected’ to be in the leadership of occupation administrations.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, the SSU found the mobile phones used for communication with the enemy, russian symbols and pro-kremlin literature.

In addition, using the coordinates uncovered during the investigation, the SSU Counterintelligence found a cache with weapons. The occupiers hid them while fleeing from Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kharkiv region.

Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators served the detained individuals notices of suspicion under the Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason committed under martial law).

The court chose custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Offices in Donetsk and Luhansk regions carried out the special operation jointly with the SSU Counterintelligence Department under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.