Russian spy network dismantled in Kharkiv – two former Berkut officers among those detained

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) liquidated an agent network operating in Kharkiv and detained three suspects, two of whom are former employees of the disbanded Berkut special police unit “.

The suspects were informed of suspicion of treason committed under martial law, as well as illegal handling of ammunition and explosives. The SBU press service informs.

According to the materials of the investigation, three residents of Kharkiv, including two ex-“Berkut” residents and the wife of one of them, cooperated with the Russian special service. They collected intelligence on the location of Ukrainian military personnel and equipment in Kharkiv, and then transmitted it via messengers to their Russian supervisors. The information was used to attack the defense forces of Ukraine and destabilize the situation in Kharkiv.

In addition, the suspects were engaged in setting up hiding places with live grenades in the forest belts and surrounding areas of Kharkiv. These schemes were intended to support Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRG) in the event of their breakthrough into the city.

During the search of the house of one of the suspects, caches with grenades were found, which added additional charges of illegal acquisition, storage and carrying of combat devices without permission.

All three detainees are in custody without bail. The pre-trial investigation continues under the operational support of the SBU and the procedural leadership of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.