It was a joint operation with military counterintelligence.
The suspect, referred to as a "mole," was recruited by Russia before its full-scale aggression against Ukraine. In 2024, he was “activated” by a GRU officer and tasked with passing on plans for combat operations of the Defense Forces behind enemy lines, with a particular interest in sabotage and reconnaissance raids by Ukrainian SOF in the frontline Zaporizhzhya and Kherson oblasts, and occupied Crimea.
To carry out his tasks, the suspect used his official position to gain access to information such as planned movement routes, weapons, and “targets.” The information was intended to be used by the enemy to eliminate Ukrainian SOF units both on the frontlines and in the temporarily occupied territories.
He also leaked information about other units of the Defense Forces to his Russian curator. The SBU and military counterintelligence gradually collected evidence and successfully arrested the traitor.
During the search, the law enforcement officers confiscated secret communications equipment, computer equipment, mobile phones, and data storage devices from the suspect.
He was charged with high treason and is currently in custody, facing life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The SOF of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the information released by the SBU, stating that it was aware of the investigation and fully supported its conduct.
“While SOF operators are carrying out combat missions behind enemy lines in the temporarily occupied territories, unfortunately, there are those who try to interfere from the inside,” the statement said.
“The Special Forces continue to fulfill their missions, destroy the enemy and liberate Ukrainian land from the occupiers. And all those who think they can prevent this and endanger the lives of our soldiers will be exposed and sent to prison. The results of successful operations will be felt by the enemy!”