SBU detains repeat offender in Mykolaiv for directing Russian strikes on Ukrainian forces

That is according to the SBU, Ukrinform reports.

The detainee is a local resident who had previously served a sentence for robbery and car theft.

It was established that after his release, the suspect began looking for "quick money" in Telegram channels and eventually came to the attention of Russian intelligence operatives.

In exchange for promises of "easy money," the suspect drove around the city identifying locations where Ukrainian defenders were based and marking their geolocations on Google Maps.

After spotting potential targets, the informant conducted additional reconnaissance to determine the approximate number of personnel and equipment, as well as terrain features and other details.

The collected information was passed to a Russian intelligence operative with whom he communicated via an anonymous chat in a popular messaging app.

The SBU exposed and documented the suspect's activities. After securing the locations of Ukrainian forces, he was detained.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized a smartphone containing evidence of his cooperation with the enemy.

Investigators have served the suspect with a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – unauthorized dissemination of information about the movement or deployment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the possibility of identifying them on the ground, committed under martial law.

Authorities are continuing to establish all the circumstances of the crime, as well as whether additional charges may apply.

The suspect is being held in custody without bail. He faces up to 12 years in prison.

Photo credit: SBU