The Security Service of Ukraine neutralized an operational-combat group of GRU of the Russian Federation: they were preparing to seize power in Odesa

The Security Service of Ukraine neutralized an operational-combat group of GRU of the Russian Federation: they were preparing to seize power in Odesa

The Military Counterintelligence of the Security Service and the State Bureau of Investigation neutralized the operational-combat group of the Russian military intelligence in Odesa. As a result of the special operation, the leader of the enemy cell and his "assistant" were detained in the regional center.

This was reported by the press center of the SSU.

It is noted that the perpetrators were found with more than 70 pieces of firearms with optical sights and ammunition, as well as bulletproof vests, helmets, ballistic glasses, and other tactical equipment.

They were preparing for a violent takeover of state institutions

Under the direction of the Russian special service, at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the perpetrators were preparing for a violent takeover of government institutions in the Odesa region. In addition to storming administrative buildings, the suspects planned to attack the Defence Forces from the rear if the occupiers approached the port city, the SSU reported.

However, following the failures of the Russians at the front, this operational-combat group was put on standby and was activated only in the summer of 2024 when they received secret assignments.

The Security Service of Ukraine thwarted these hostile intentions, documented the subversive activities, and neutralized the group immediately after it was "activated" by the enemy.

They created a paramilitary formation under the guise of public organizations

According to the case materials, the resident (leader) of the agent-combat group of the Russian GRU was a 49-year-old resident of temporarily occupied Crimea.

After the capture of the peninsula, he moved to Odesa, where, at the start of the full-scale war, he began forming operational-combat detachments under the guise of several public organizations.

To the public, these organizations dealt with issues of military history, ecology, and law, while in reality, they created underground groups: snipers, reconnaissance, communications, operational support, and one of the main ones – an assault group.

When selecting potential candidates, the suspects preferred citizens with special skills, experience in combat, or specialized expertise.

In the event of the capture of Odesa, participants of the group were promised "positions" in the local occupation administration of the Russian Federation.

Overall, the suspects recruited more than two dozen people into the hostile cell, who obeyed their leader based on military hierarchy principles. Currently, all of them are under investigation, and comprehensive measures are being taken to bring them to justice for crimes against Ukraine.

During the searches of the suspects, in addition to weapons and tactical equipment, instructions for subversive activities, cold weapons, including those with Russian special service logos, and computer equipment with evidence of crimes were seized.

What punishment do the members of the paramilitary formation face?

Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators informed the detainees of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 109 (actions aimed at violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, committed by a group of individuals by prior conspiracy);
• Parts 1 and 3 of Article 260 (creation of paramilitary or armed groups not provided for by law).

The detainees are in custody. They face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.