The SSU cyber units have neutralized an agent network of russia’s GRU (the main directorate of the general staff of the russian armed forces), which operated in Kharkiv oblast.

The enemy informants collected intelligence on geolocation of Ukrainian fortifications and movement of military equipment convoys, including by railway.

Among the enemy agents’ assignments was collection of compromising material on the AFU servicemen stationed in the frontline areas. The GRU paid special ‘attention’ to officials of military enlistment offices and military medical commissions.

The aggressor needed the ‘dirt’ to attempt to recruit them and prepare special information operations against Ukraine.

The spies also gathered data on consequences of russian air strikes on Kharkiv: went to the sites of missile and drone hits and ‘reported’ to the occupiers.

As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the SSU documented the criminal actions of the network’s 4 members and detained them at their homes.

According to the investigation, the group was remotely run by a former local resident who fled to russia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

There, he was recruited by the GRU and was instructed to set up an agent network in Kharkiv.

He recruited four of his acquaintances from the city, including a taxi driver and an employee of a local gas supply company.

To collect intelligence, they drove in the area and recorded the locations of Ukrainian defenders or sites of russian air strikes.

The data were sent to a head of the group in russia, who passed them to his GRU handler.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes, the SSU found computers and mobile phones used for reconnaissance and sabotage activities against Ukraine. Three combat grenades were also seized.

SSU investigators notified the three detainees of suspicion under Article 28.2, 111.2 of the CCU (high treason committed under martial law by a group).

Another person was served a notice of suspicion under Article 263.1 of the CCU (illegal handling of ammunition). The suspects are in custody, facing various terms in prison, including life imprisonment.

Comprehensive efforts are underway to identify all members of the network and bring to justice its head hiding in russia.

The SSU Kharkiv Office carried out the operation jointly with the National Police and under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.