SSU detains three enemy agents who were registering Starlink accounts for occupiers
The Security Service has thwarted yet another attempt by russians to gain access to the Starlink satellite system to wage war against Ukraine. Law enforcement officers detained three agents of the aggressor state, the russian federation, who were attempting to “connect” the enemy to internet communication terminals. This is stated in a report by the SSU.
In the Kirovohrad Region, a conscript was exposed after he deserted his military unit and was soon recruited by russian intelligence officers via a Telegram channel offering “easy” money. Promised “quick” money from russia, the deserter registered a Starlink account in his name and provided the relevant details to a handler from the aggressor country. Subsequently, under false pretenses, the perpetrator recruited ten more of his acquaintances to secretly register satellite terminals for the russians.
In Zhytomyr, law enforcement officers detained a local woman struggling with drug addiction who had been recruited by russian intelligence officers through Telegram channels dedicated to the sale of drugs and psychotropic substances. Hoping to get money “for a fix,” she agreed to register a Starlink account in her name and provide the russians with access codes to the satellite system. Subsequently, the suspect recruited three more accomplices to collaborate with the enemy in setting up new internet terminals.
In the Mykolaiv Region, a student at a vocational school was exposed for helping russia gain access to Starlink terminals to coordinate drone attacks on the southern front. The investigation revealed that the young man came to the attention of russian intelligence officers through pro-kremlin Telegram chats. The SSU documented how, in exchange for money, the suspect registered the satellite terminals in his own name and those of his relatives, and then planned to pass the details on to russian intelligence.
“Based on all the facts uncovered, access to the illegally registered Starlink terminals was blocked,” the SSU emphasized.
Security Service investigators informed the detainees of the charges against them in accordance with the crimes committed under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Part 2 of Article 111 (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 the intent to sell).
The suspects face sentences ranging from eight years in prison to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) previously detained a russian “double” agent who was coordinating the shelling of Sloviansk.