SSU has detained a Russian informant in Odessa who attempted to hack a Ukrainian Armed Forces phone for espionage purposes

The Counterintelligence unit of the Security Service detained a supporter of racism in Odessa who was seeking ways to cooperate with Russian special services in order to provide them with information about Ukrainian defenders.

At first, the suspect reached out to the administrator of one of the pro-Kremlin Telegram channels that disseminate information about the movements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In an attempt to obtain intelligence information, the Odessa resident tried to 'hack' the phone of his acquaintance, a Ukrainian military servicewoman whose husband is an artillery combatant in the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the eastern front.

According to the investigation, the woman had come to Odessa from Kramatorsk to visit her relatives and temporarily stayed with acquaintances. Learning that she served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the suspect awaited 'instructions' from Russian special services on how to breach the gadget of the servicewoman.

However, the Security Service promptly exposed the Russian informant, preventing his criminal intentions.

Additionally, during the Security Service's operational activities, information was obtained regarding the suspect's involvement in gathering intelligence on the placement of air defense systems in the Odessa region.

To search for geolocations, he regularly traveled around the region and discreetly collected relevant information from his acquaintances.

Based on the gathered evidence, the Security Service investigators informed him of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorized dissemination of information about the movement of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition to Ukraine, the movement, transportation, or placement of the Ukrainian Armed Forces).

Currently, the perpetrator is in custody, facing up to 8 years in prison.