Photo: SBU
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported the arrest of an espionage group from Russian special services in Odessa. According to law enforcement officials, three cafe employees were coordinating missile strikes on the city and conducting espionage among military personnel under the guise of friendly outings.
According to the SBU, the Russian cell consisted of three young women from Odessa, aged 19 to 23, who were instructed by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to prepare for a massive missile and drone strike on the city’s military infrastructure.
The special services explained that the suspects conducted reconnaissance walks around Odessa to identify potential targets. They took selfies with backgrounds of interest, including military recruitment offices and medical facilities where Ukrainian defenders receive treatment.
The obtained information was transmitted to an FSB curator via messenger services. To maintain secrecy, the suspects used anonymous nicknames and anonymous chats, added the SBU.
The agency noted that the FSB was most interested in the locations of military enlistment offices and medical institutions where Ukrainian defenders were receiving medical treatment. Additionally, the detainees attempted to identify combat positions of anti-aircraft defense units and coast guard units.
For each completed task, the invaders sent the suspects financial rewards. The detainees also asked Russians for “timely evacuation” and employment in one of the Russian special services.
The activities of the suspects were documented, and all three were arrested while preparing a report for the FSB. Ukrainian special services took additional measures to secure the locations of defenders, concluded law enforcement.
Overall, all three suspects have been charged with state treason committed by a group of individuals during wartime.
They face life imprisonment, and they are currently in custody.
Source: liga
