The Security Service of Ukraine has apprehended two individuals linked to Russian intelligence in the Kyiv region. They were involved in transporting Ukrainian SIM cards to Russia for use in drones that were attacking our country.
The availability of these SIM cards significantly enhanced the communication and navigation of Russian drones.
The investigation revealed that the suspects were residents of the Kyiv area, one of whom was a former law enforcement officer.
After receiving instructions from Russian agents, they initially purchased Ukrainian SIM cards and then sent them to their accomplices in Europe for further dispatch to Russia.
These mobile cards were sent to cities such as Naberezhnye Chelny and Yelabuga in Tatarstan, where military drones are manufactured.
Another task of the Russian agents was to recruit employees from Ukrainian mobile communication companies to gather intelligence from within domestic operators.
The SBU uncovered their hostile activities, documented the agents, and detained them.
During searches, smartphones with evidence of contacts with FSB curators and foreign accomplices were seized. Prepared SIM cards for trafficking to Russia were also found.
The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
The perpetrators are currently in custody facing life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
Investigations are ongoing to hold other members of the Russian network in Europe accountable.
The operation was carried out by SBU officers in Kyiv and the Kyiv region with the assistance of the Internal Security Department of the National Police and the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.