Internet agitator who worked for FSB detained in Kyiv

Employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea have detained in Kyiv an Internet agitator who, according to the instructions of the Russian intelligence services, created an anti-Ukrainian channel on a popular video hosting service, the SBU press center has said.

"Operatives of the Security Service of Ukraine found out that the culprit in 2015 created a video channel on the Internet on which, on the instructions of representatives of Russian organizations controlled by the special services of the Russian Federation, he posted anti-Ukrainian content to destabilize the socio-political situation in our country. SBU employees documented that the man travelled to Russia every month to hold meetings, receive instructions from curators and 'fees' for the work done and to create new anti-Ukrainian information projects," the statement reads.

During authorized investigatory measures carried out at the place of residence of the agitator, law enforcement officers seized digital electronic equipment and drafts with recordings of scenarios of provocative information video clips.

According to the Ukrainian intelligence service, in order to avoid liability for anti-Ukrainian activities, the culprit planned to move to Russia, where, with the help of his curators, he has already opened a studio.

The internet agitator was declared suspected of committing criminal offenses stipulated by Articles 109 and 110 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The issue of choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention is currently being addressed.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

op