SSU uncovers GRU agent network of 14 people: spied on F-16 and Mirage 2000

SSU uncovers GRU agent network of 14 people: spied on F-16 and Mirage 2000

The Security Service of Ukraine has exposed a Russian GRU agent network involving 14 people. They gathered intelligence on Ukrainian air bases, F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft. The agents also passed information to the enemy about aircraft takeoffs and landings.

This was reported by the press service of the SSU.

The network was organized by a Lviv resident who administered a Telegram channel about aviation. Russian special services recruited him after he posted photos of Ukrainian military aircraft in pro-Kremlin chats. Later, the man recruited 13 subscribers with professional photo equipment who lived near the aviation infrastructure of the Defence Forces.

They photographed airfields, aircraft, crews, and technical personnel, and recorded takeoff and landing times. The photos were uploaded to an online storage accessible to the Russian handler. In addition, one of the suspects passed flight schedules of combat helicopters to the Russians, which he received from the commander of an aviation squadron of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

During searches, law enforcement seized phones and digital photo equipment with evidence of work for the Russian Federation. The SSU also blocked four Telegram channels and 10 thematic groups.

The detained agent, his accomplice, and the serviceman were notified of suspicion of crimes against the foundations of national security. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is identifying other participants in the network.