Arrest of a Russian agent: in Odessa region, an engineer working for the enemy to obtain secret information about Ukraine’s defense industry was exposed
The Odessa region has become another battlefield in the fight by Ukrainian security agencies against Russian intelligence efforts. According to official information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in early November an operational operation was carried out, resulting in the detention of an engineer who played a spying role in an enemy special operation against Ukraine’s defense system. Preliminary data indicates that he was employed at a company supplying defense products to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with the goal of obtaining and transmitting secret information to agents of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). This is an especially dangerous case, as the enemy seeks to infiltrate the structures of the state defense sector using covert employees. According to a statement from the SBU, the 47-year-old local engineer is suspected of crimes under the article that stipulates treason during wartime. Operatives and counterintelligence officers in the Odessa region had been investigating since the moment he was hired, as the specialist was documented back at the recruitment stage by Russian intelligence services. According to the investigation, the man received orders from Russian security agencies to steal confidential technical documents related to components for advanced military vehicles used by the Ukrainian army. To accomplish this risky task, he deliberately sought employment at a defense plant in Odessa that participates in the production of combat equipment and related parts. To achieve his criminal objectives, he attempted to access technological drawings and production schematics, posing as an engineer servicing or designing these systems. Importantly, from the very first days at the enterprise, the suspect attempted to establish contacts with colleagues and gain access to secret documentation. Operatives recorded his efforts to quickly and covertly ingratiate himself with employees directly handling drawings and manufacturing schemes. Moreover, according to security sources, the engineer performed the role of a so-called “adjuster,” traveling to strategic sites across Odessa region—particularly military positions of air defense systems and radar stations—in order to study them and potentially relay coordinates to the enemy. Overall, the operation to uncover and detain the suspect was conducted professionally and in accordance with all necessary protocols. During the investigative actions, a large volume of documents containing photographs of technical documentation, which he intended to hand over to Russian special services, was seized from him. Additionally, other materials and tools confirming his work in the interest of the foe were found. As part of the criminal proceedings, he has been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (“High treason committed under aggravating circumstances”). Since he is currently in custody, he faces life imprisonment with possible confiscation of property. By protecting the state and its military objects from enemy infiltration, Ukrainian security agencies continue their active fight against espionage and agents. They emphasize that any malicious intent from Russian intelligence agencies will be thoroughly exposed and prosecuted according to law. The detention of this engineer is another proof that Ukrainian defense enterprises remain vigilant for national security and are constantly under the watchful control of relevant services. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine’s counterintelligence efforts in combating hostile agents and contributes to strengthening the country’s defense capability during these challenging times.