SBU reported that it had conducted a large-scale special operation in Mykolayiv Region, which resulted in the neutralisation of another Russian agent network. It consisted of 13 local residents who worked for the FSB.
The attackers collected intelligence on the locations and movements of the Defence Forces in the southern region. They also adjusted Russian air attacks on the residential and social infrastructure of the regional center.
The SBU notes that it was under their guidance that the Russian occupiers attacked a multi-storey building in Mykolayiv in autumn of 2022 with an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system. The enemy shelling killed seven civilians, including a minor child.
It was established that Russian informants passed the coordinates of Ukrainian targets to the FSB through a "liaison". It turned out to be a pro-Kremlin blogger Sergey Lebedev aka Lokhmatyy.
In June of this year, the SBU exposed him for intelligence and subversive activities against Ukraine and notified him of suspicion of treason and violation of the laws and customs of war.
During the investigation of Lokhmatyy's criminal actions, it was established that, on the instructions of the FSB, he had remotely created his own agency in Mykolayiv Region. It consisted of 13 local subscribers to his Telegram channel. It was through this Internet resource that the defendant recruited his agents and then received intelligence from them.
It is noted that as a result of operational actions, SBU officers identified all members of the Russian agent Lokhmatyy nd detained them at different places of residence.
Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators served nine detainees suspicion notices under Art. 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The suspects are currently in custody.
The court found four other members of the enemy agent network guilty of the crimes and sentenced them to 8 to 15 years in prison.
Lebedev himself is additionally charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 111.