SBU nabs foreign agent scouting energy sites near nuclear plant
The Security Service of Ukraine announced the exposure of a foreign agent of the FSB who was collecting data on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. (Photo: SBU)
Ukraine's SBU Security Service counterintelligence exposed and arrested a Russian special services agent who was transmitting data for missile and drone strikes on energy facilities in the Zhytomyr and Khmelnytskyi oblasts, the SBU reported on Telegram on Nov. 14.
The suspect's task was to discreetly photograph power-generating and heat-supply enterprises in the regions and send current images to the Russians, enabling them to assess the sites' condition, protection levels and key equipment placement, the SBU said.
The detainee, a citizen of a Middle Eastern country living in Zviahel in Zhytomyr Oblast, caught the FSB's attention while seeking side jobs in various Telegram channels, investigators found.
After recruitment, he drove designated routes in his car, approaching substations, a thermal power plant and energy sites near the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant to photograph perimeters and guard posts, the agency said. He also recorded locations of Defense Forces checkpoints at town entrances.
The SBU arrested him early in his activities — while photographing one substation.
A search of the suspect yielded a phone with evidence of FSB collaboration.
Based on collected materials, investigators charged him under two articles of Ukraine's Criminal Code: Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 113 (preparation for sabotage under martial law) and Part 2 of Article 114-2 (unauthorized dissemination of information on Ukrainian troop locations during wartime).
The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment with property confiscation.
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