The arrest marks a significant moment in Ukraine's ongoing battle against internal espionage during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
**Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Arrested for Alleged Espionage for Russia**
**Ukrainian Intelligence Officer Arrested for Alleged Espionage for Russia**
A senior official in Ukraine's security service is detained on charges of espionage after being identified as a Russian agent.
A prominent figure in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has been apprehended on allegations of espionage for Russia. While the SBU has not disclosed the detainee's identity, reports from local media suggest he is Colonel Dmytro Kozyura, the chief of staff of the agency's anti-terrorism center.
Visuals released by Ukrainian media depict him in handcuffs during his arrest, which was conducted by SBU head Vasyl Malyuk. According to an official statement, the investigation identified at least 14 instances where the suspect allegedly gathered and relayed sensitive information to Russian authorities, with the SBU referring to him as a "traitor."
The extensive investigation utilized various surveillance methods, including audio and video monitoring, as well as access to the suspect's mobile devices and computers. Following Russia's full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, Ukraine has actively sought to unearth and neutralize Russian operatives within its borders.
Malyuk, who took a direct role in the investigation, reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky on the operation's developments. The agency revealed that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) had initially recruited Kozyura in Vienna back in 2018. However, after several years of inactivity, communication with his handlers resumed in December of last year.
In a video statement published on the SBU's website, Malyuk disclosed the techniques used to penetrate the suspect's devices, stating, "Thanks to encrypted programme bookmarks, we got into the traitor's gadgets." He emphasized that the SBU's operation included sophisticated surveillance leading to clear documentation of the suspect's activities feeding information to the enemy.
Malyuk assured the public that the agency is committed to a thorough internal review, stating, "The self-cleansing of the SBU continues. No matter how the enemy tries to penetrate our ranks... they will not be able to do it successfully. Because we detect them in a timely manner, document them and detain them."
