SSU detains banker working for Russian military intelligence in Kharkiv

SSU detains banker working for Russian military intelligence in Kharkiv

The counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv detained the head of a department of one of the banks, who turned out to be an agent of military intelligence of the aggressor country, the Russian Federation. His curator was a previously detained Russian - also an employee of the Ukrainian bank, who was preparing missile and bomb strikes on the city.

The SSU press service reported this on September 5. As the investigation found out, the defendant worked for a Russian spy – a Russian citizen. In July 2024, the Security Service counterintelligence detained him in his own home.

While studying the spy’s criminal activities, the SSU found his accomplice, the report says.

He turned out to be the head of a department of another local branch of a popular bank.

On the instructions of the Russian, he reconnoitred the positions of the Ukrainian troops assigned to the defense of Kharkiv.

The traitor moved around the regional center in his own car and secretly filmed the location of military facilities on his phone.

In addition, he collected information for the enemy about the locations and consequences of airstrikes on Kharkiv.

The subject passed the obtained data to the Russian curator during personal meetings, as well as via messenger. After each agent communication session, he deleted all messages from the anonymous chat.

"However, such conspiracy did not save the suspect. After the Russian spy was exposed, the SSU counterintelligence also detained his informant," the Ukrainian special service said.

During the search, a telephone used in intelligence and subversive activities in favor of the aggressor country was confiscated from the spy’s henchman.

SSU investigators informed him of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).

Let us recall that the criminal actions of the Russian citizen are qualified under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including Part 1 of Article 114 (espionage).

Both defendants are in custody. They face 15 years to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.