Photo: depositphotos
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports that Russia has increased the number of “false flag” operations aimed at recruiting Ukrainians. During such operations, representatives of the aggressor country pose as Ukrainian law enforcement officers to compel citizens to perform hostile tasks.
According to the SBU, during these “false flag” operations, Russians:
- Call or message people pretending to be employees of NABU, SBU, HUR, or the National Police;
- Use dating websites to obtain personal data;
- Blackmail individuals with criminal liability, including for allegedly “purchasing medical drugs on Russian websites”;
- Demand money in exchange for closing “criminal cases”;
- Attempt to involve people in targeting administrative buildings, military vehicles, and other assets.
- Sometimes, Russians directly call Ukrainians claiming to be law enforcement officers, while at other times, they use various “legends” or schemes.
The SBU notes that Russians send fake “summons” via messaging apps, requiring individuals to appear for an “investigation” in a fabricated criminal case. They then call, posing as law enforcement officers, offering help to “close the case” in exchange for performing certain tasks.
Russians also exploit dating websites, creating fake female accounts to extract personal information from men. Afterwards, a Russian handler contacts the victim, claiming to be an SBU officer, and accuses them of collaborating with Russia through interactions with the fake profile. The person is then coerced into cooperating to avoid “liability.” Recruited individuals are forced to carry out illegal actions, such as:
- Surveillance of specific individuals;
- Delivering packages;
- Purchasing chemical elements and making explosives;
- Arson of military vehicles or buildings;
- Preparing a terrorist attack or sabotage.
The SBU urges citizens to maintain good information hygiene and be cautious when contacted by unknown persons. The agency emphasizes that it operates strictly within the framework of Ukrainian law and never assigns any suspicious “tasks.”
The SBU also encourages reporting any attempts to coerce tasks through the following channels:
- Chat-bot “Expose the FSB agent”: t.me/spaly_fsb_bot
- Phone: 0 800 501 482
- Email: callcenter@ssu.gov.ua
Earlier, on Monday, a Toyota vehicle exploded on Akademika Korolyova Street in the Kyiv district of Odesa. According to preliminary information, a 56-year-old man was injured. The SBU has classified the explosion as a terrorist act.
