The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports on new deceptive tactics being used by Russian special services to recruit Ukrainians.
Occupiers are now posing as "SBU employees" and attempting to assign criminal tasks supposedly "in the interests of Ukraine".
SBU warns: Russia recruits Ukrainians under the guise of SBU – new aggressor tactics
This method, known as "under a false flag", has been rarely used before but is now being actively implemented.
According to the SBU, several such crimes have been prevented in recent weeks.
Another new scheme by the Russian Federation involves sending fake summons to Ukrainians via messengers, demanding their appearance for questioning by an SBU investigator over an alleged open criminal case.
The fictitious reason for the "case" is usually the "purchase of prohibited goods in Ukraine".
Subsequently, unknown individuals contact the citizen by phone, offering "assistance in closing the criminal case".
To "resolve this issue", they require the completion of various tasks:
- monitoring someone’s movements
- moving unknown items
- transferring money to suspicious accounts (allegedly as "donations to the Armed Forces")
- buying chemical components for making improvised explosive devices
- setting fire to vehicles belonging to defense forces or administrative buildings, or other acts of sabotage.
Why the recruitment targets not only teenagers but also elderly individuals
During such contacts, Russian handlers also demand the installation of malicious software on the phone to track the device owner.
Interestingly, while previously the main targets for recruitment were teenagers, they are now also aiming at elderly people.
The SBU emphasizes that their activities strictly adhere to current Ukrainian legislation.
They do not require the installation of third-party software on phones and in no way set any questionable "tasks".
In case of receiving suspicious summons or contacts from unknown individuals claiming to be SBU employees, the SBU recommends contacting the official Security Service chatbot or reporting such cases to the SBU hotline: 0 800 501 482.
