NewsSpies posing as newlyweds seized by SBU in Odesa

Spies posing as newlyweds seized by SBU in Odesa

Ukrainians detained a pair of "newlyweds" who were spying in Odessa
Ukrainians detained a pair of "newlyweds" who were spying in Odessa
Images source: © SBU
Marcin Lewicki

4 July 2024 07:47

Officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a couple in Odesa who were photographing Ukrainian strategic military facilities. The 23-year-old man and his 18-year-old partner were agents of the FSB. They operated undercover as "newlyweds." Now, they face a very long prison sentence.

Ukrainians have detained spies working for the Russian FSB in Odesa. The couple posed as "newlyweds" and gathered materials regarding Ukraine's military infrastructure.

It is known that the 23-year-old man and his 18-year-old partner focused, among other things, on locating positions of the Ukrainian coast guard. These units defend the waters adjacent to the port city of Odesa.

Ukraine. Detained by the SBU. The "newlyweds" face a long prison sentence

How did the spy couple operate? The FSB agents dressed like newlyweds and pretended to be doing a post-wedding photo shoot. In the background of their photos, strategic facilities in Odesa were visible.

The couple collected photos and forwarded them as part of a spy report. The data recipient was the "newlyweds" supervisor, who worked from the territory of the Russian Federation. The SBU established his identity.

These were not the only tasks for the spies in Odesa. The 23-year-old, among other things, put up over 100 propaganda posters opposing the general mobilization of Ukrainians. They also planned to set fire to a local power plant.

SBU officers secured the perpetrators' phones. They found the aforementioned photos and a history of conversations with a Russian FSB officer. Moreover, the couple also had a payment card (to handle funds provided by the Russians) and propaganda leaflets.

For subversive activities, the 23-year-old and his 18-year-old partner face severe consequences. The couple currently in detention could be sentenced to eight years in prison.

The Security Service of Ukraine regularly publishes information about spies captured in Ukrainian towns. Recently, a gang that changed its appearance using numerous wigs was detained.