SSU has exposed Russian informant who was setting up ’video traps’ to direct strikes against western Ukraine. PHOTO
The Security Service has detained another Russian informant in the Rivne region. The suspect was installing hidden cameras in mobile phones to help direct enemy shelling at the western regions of Ukraine.
This was reported by Censor.NET, citing the SSU press centre.
Preparing missile and drone strikes
As the investigation revealed, the suspect was setting up camouflaged smartphones near defence facilities, which the Russians were targeting with missile and drone strikes.
"To adjust the shelling, each spy device had remote access for Russian security service officers, who hoped to use this function to direct attacks in real time," the statement reads.
SSU officers uncovered the Russian collaborator in good time and caught him red-handed whilst he was setting up a ‘video trap’ on the roof of an abandoned building near a military facility.
The Security Service subsequently gathered further evidence against the suspect.
What is known about the traitor?
According to the case file, the person directing the shelling was an employee of a local agricultural enterprise who came to the attention of Russian special services via Telegram channels advertising ‘easy money’.
After receiving instructions from a representative of the aggressor state, the informant travelled around the area by public transport and identified sites which, in his opinion, were being used by the Defence Forces.
The suspect then installed hidden camera phones at these locations and reported back to the Russians that they were ready for the shelling to be directed.
During searches, smartphones were seized from the detainee, which he had used for covert communication with the enemy and to gather intelligence.
Charges
- On the basis of new evidence, investigators from the Security Service informed the detainee that he was suspected of offences under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (completed attempt to unlawfully disseminate information about the movements, deployment or location of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under martial law).
- The suspect is being held in custody without the right to bail. He faces up to 12 years’ imprisonment.
- The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be brought against the Russian informant.
