In Zhytomyr, the SSU liquidated a bot farm that supplied the RF with thousands of accounts monthly for sabotage

In Zhytomyr, the SSU liquidated a bot farm that supplied the RF with thousands of accounts monthly for sabotage

The Security Service and the National Police detained in Zhytomyr the organizer of an underground bot farm that the Russians used to conduct information sabotage operations against Ukraine.

This was reported by the SSU.

According to the case materials, the suspect sold to the aggressor country more than 3 thousand fake Telegram accounts monthly for spreading Kremlin propaganda.

To do this, the offender created «dummy» accounts registered with mobile numbers of Ukrainian operators, and then sold them on specialized enemy online platforms.

It has been established that his main clients were representatives of Russian special services who spread disinformation about the Defence Forces and the internal situation in Ukraine.

The Russians also used fake accounts to distribute anonymous messages allegedly from citizens of our state about the «mining» of domestic facilities.

In this way, the enemy tried to provoke panic among the people to destabilize the socio-political situation in Ukraine.

SBU employees documented the suspect’s crimes and detained him at his place of residence, where he had organized the bot farm. At the same time, law enforcement officers blocked almost 20 thousand fake internet profiles that «worked» for Russian special services.

During searches at the detainee’s place of residence, computer equipment, USB hubs with modems, phones, and almost 2 thousand SIM cards from various mobile operators were seized.

He has been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 361 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorized interference in the operation of information (automated), electronic communication, information-communication systems, electronic communication networks by prior conspiracy by a group of persons).

The investigation continues to establish all circumstances of the illegal activity and additional qualification of the suspect’s criminal actions.

The comprehensive measures were carried out by SSU employees in the Zhytomyr region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.