A high-ranking official in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has been arrested on allegations of espionage for Russia.
The SBU did not disclose the man’s name, identifying him only as the chief of staff of its anti-terrorism center. However, Ukrainian media, citing sources within the agency, have reported that he is Col. Dmytro Kozyura.
Footage from local media shows the suspect in handcuffs as he is taken into custody by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk.
According to an official statement, the suspect, whom the SBU described as a “rat,” had provided Russia with intelligence on at least 14 occasions. The agency said its investigation involved audio and video surveillance, as well as access to his mobile devices and computers.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has carried out multiple operations aimed at uncovering Russian agents operating within its borders.
Senior Official in Ukraine Arrested For SpyingThe SBU stated that Malyuk personally oversaw the investigation and led the arrest operation. He also kept President Volodymyr Zelensky informed of its progress.
According to the statement, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) recruited the suspect in Vienna in 2018. He remained inactive for several years before his handlers reestablished contact with him last December.
“Thanks to encrypted program bookmarks, we accessed the traitor’s devices—mobile terminals, computers,” Malyuk said in a video statement posted on the SBU website.
“We essentially lived alongside him, conducting audio and video monitoring. During this process, we were able to thoroughly document how he gathered and transmitted classified information to the enemy.”
Malyuk also revealed that during the investigation, the SBU deliberately fed Moscow false information.
“The internal cleansing of the SBU continues. No matter how hard the enemy tries to infiltrate our ranks… they will not succeed. Because we identify them in time, gather evidence, and detain them,” he said.