Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) detained an 18-year-old in Kyiv suspected of working for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The individual allegedly attempted to register 148 Starlink terminals for Russian military operations in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
The incident highlights ongoing efforts by Russia to leverage technology and recruit individuals within Ukraine to support its military operations, posing a persistent security challenge.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has detained an 18-year-old in Kyiv who is suspected of working for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). According to investigators, the individual attempted to register 148 Starlink terminals for use by Russian forces, which were intended to support military operations in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Ukrainian security officers stated that they prevented the devices from being activated. The suspect, a former welding student, was allegedly recruited by an FSB officer through Telegram channels offering quick money. Within days of recruitment, he had registered 15 Starlink terminals using the passport details of relatives and acquaintances and had prepared personal information for another 133 devices. He was detained near a post office where he allegedly planned to activate more terminals.
The 15 previously registered terminals, whose details had been sent to his handler, were also blocked. If convicted, the suspect faces life imprisonment and confiscation of property. This incident is part of a pattern of alleged Russian recruitment of Ukrainians for assignments, including a recent case on Oct. 12 involving a suspected plot for a bus bombing and another on Oct. 6 of a collaborator accused of aiding drone operations and intelligence gathering.
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