In Zaporizhzhia, the Security Service of Ukraine, with the support of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, successfully dismantled an intelligence network linked to Russian military intelligence.
According to case materials, the network was led by a priest from a local church who actively sought out pro-Russian citizens during his sermons. He justified Russia's aggression and began recruiting individuals to cooperate with the enemy. Following the arrest of a Russian spotter who provided information about the priest, the SBU launched an investigation.
It was found that the priest also recruited a mobilized soldier, who passed on information about Ukrainian troops to the enemy. This included data on troop locations and numbers, as well as photocopies of documents.
The investigation revealed that the priest and the soldier coordinated their actions with a Russian intelligence agent, formerly employed in law enforcement.
During searches of the detainees, evidence of crimes was found, including phones and computers. The priest was also found to possess ammunition and other prohibited items.
The investigation has already charged both detainees under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Part 2 of Article 111 (treason);
- Parts 1 and 2 of Article 110 (encroachment on territorial integrity);
- Parts 2 and 3 of Article 109 (attempt to violently change power);
- Parts 1 and 3 of Article 436-2 (justification of aggression);
- Part 1 of Article 161 (violation of equality of citizens).
The offenders are currently in custody, and the investigation continues to hold all involved accountable.
