The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) informs about new cunning methods used by Russian special services to recruit Ukrainian citizens.
The occupiers now pose as "SBU agents" and offer supposedly "in the interests of Ukraine" to carry out criminal tasks.
SBU warns: Russia is recruiting Ukrainians disguised as SBU agents – new threats
This tactic, known as "acting under a false flag", was rarely used by the aggressor before but is now actively being implemented.
According to SBU data, several such crimes have been prevented in recent weeks.
Another new scheme by Russia involves sending fake summons to Ukrainians through messengers, demanding them to appear for interrogation by an "SBU investigator" due to an allegedly opened criminal case.
The usual fabricated reason for the "case" is "acquisition of prohibited goods in Ukraine".
After this, unknown individuals contact the citizen by phone and offer "assistance in closing the case".
To "resolve this issue", they require the completion of various tasks:
- monitoring someone’s movements
- transporting suspicious items
- transferring money to dubious accounts (supposedly as a "donation to the Armed Forces")
- purchasing chemical elements for making improvised explosive devices
- setting fire to defense forces' vehicles or administrative buildings, or other acts of sabotage.
Why recruitment targets not only teenagers but also elderly people
During such contacts, Russian curators also demand installing malicious software to track the device owner.
Interestingly, if previously the priority targets for recruitment were teenagers, they are now also focusing on elderly citizens.
The SBU emphasizes that their activities are strictly within the framework of current Ukrainian legislation.
They do not require the installation of third-party software on the phone and do not assign any dubious "tasks".
In case of receiving a suspicious summons or contacts with unknown individuals posing as SBU agents, the SBU recommends contacting the official chatbot of the Security Service or reporting such cases to the SBU hotline: 0 800 501 482.
