Based on the evidence collected by the SSU, an enemy agent who collected intelligence on locations and movements of Ukraine’s Defence Forces in Zhytomyr oblast has been convicted to prison.

After his detention in March 2023, the court chose custody as a measure of restraint with a right to be released on bail of over UAH 200,000.

The very next day, the agent paid the bail and was released. Immediately afterwards, he tried to flee to belarus and was apprehended by the SSU 300 metres away from the border.

During the search, a large amount of cash and a notebook containing intelligence on Ukrainian troops were seized from the suspect.

Following the SSU’s investigation, the court sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

The enemy asset turned out to be a former deputy chief of staff of one of the tank armies of the former USSR, who had retired in early 1990s.

Among his responsibilities back in the ranks of the soviet unit was the organization of military reconnaissance. This position allowed him to develop extensive personal connections among the military, including in russia.

The invaders recruited the retired officer in September 2022 via the banned social network Vkontakte, where he wrote pro-kremlin comments and posts.

After the briefing, he received the code name ‘Snarov’ and began carrying out the aggressor’s assignments.

He focused on training centres and firing ranges of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Security Service.

The agent also collected personal data of military personnel, law enforcement officers and local government staff.

The adversary needed this information to select potential candidates for recruitment.

Based on the evidence collected, the court found the accused guilty under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law).

The investigation was conducted by the SSU Office in Zhytomyr region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.