The Security Service has thwarted new attempts by the ruscists to gain access to the Starlink satellite system in order to wage war against Ukraine. As a result of comprehensive measures, another three russian agents who attempted to ‘connect’ the enemy to internet communication terminals were detained.

Thus, in the Kirovohrad region, a conscript was exposed who had gone AWOL from his military unit and was soon recruited by russian intelligence officers via Telegram channel offering ‘easy money’.

In exchange for the promise of ‘quick’ money from russia, the deserter registered a Starlink account in his own name and passed on the relevant details to a handler from the aggressor country.

Subsequently, the suspect, using fabricated pretexts, involved ten more of his acquaintances in order to covertly register satellite terminals for the ruscists.

In Zhytomyr, a local drug addict was detained after being recruited by russian intelligence services via Telegram channels dedicated to the sale of drugs and psychotropic substances.

Hoping to receive money ‘for a dose’, the woman agreed to register a Starlink terminal in her name and provide the ruscists with access codes to the satellite system.

Subsequently, the suspect recruited three more accomplices to cooperate with the enemy in registering additional internet terminals.

In the Mykolaiv region, a student at a vocational college has been exposed for helping russia gain access to Starlink terminals to adjust drone attacks on the southern front.

As the investigation revealed, the young man came to the attention of the russian intelligence services through pro-kremlin Telegram groups.

It was documented that, in exchange for payment, the suspect registered satellite terminals in his own name and in the names of his relatives, and then planned to provide the details to the russian intelligence service.

Based on all the identified cases, access to the illegally registered Starlink terminals was blocked.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of the suspicion of committing crimes under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, in accordance with the offenses they committed:

•      Part 2 of Article 111 (high treason committed under martial law);
•      Part 1 of Article 114-1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period);
•      Part 1 of Article 309 (illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues without intent to sell).

The perpetrators face sentences ranging from eight years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, with confiscation of their property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr and Mykolaiv regions under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Offices.