The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) informs about the new cunning tactics employed by Russian intelligence to recruit Ukrainian citizens.
The occupiers are now posing as "SBU agents" and ostensibly offering criminal tasks in the name of "Ukraine's interests".
SBU warns: Russia recruits Ukrainians under the guise of SBU – new tactics of the aggressor
This method, known as "acting under a false flag", had previously been rarely used by the aggressor but is now actively 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 via messaging apps, demanding their appearance for questioning by an "SBU investigator" over an allegedly opened criminal case.
The fabricated reason for the "case" is often the "purchase of prohibited goods in Ukraine".
After this, unknown individuals contact the citizen by phone and offer "help in closing the criminal case".
To "resolve this issue", they demand various tasks to be completed:
- monitoring someone's movements
- transporting unknown items
- transferring money to dubious accounts (allegedly as a "donation to the Armed Forces")
- purchasing chemical elements for making improvised explosive devices
- setting fire to vehicles of the Defense Forces or administrative buildings, or other acts of sabotage.
Why the recruitment targets are not only teenagers but also elderly people
During such contacts, Russian handlers also demand the installation of malware on the phone to track the device owner.
Interestingly, while previously Russian intelligence prioritized recruiting teenagers, they are now also targeting elderly individuals.
SBU emphasizes that their operations are strictly within the framework of current Ukrainian legislation.
They do not require the installation of third-party software on the phone and in no way impose any questionable "tasks".
If you receive a suspicious summons or have contact with unknown individuals claiming to be SBU employees, SBU recommends contacting the official Security Service chatbot or reporting such cases to the SBU hotline: 0 800 501 482.