The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have exposed a large-scale network of recruitment attempts by Russian intelligence services. The enemy uses sophisticated methods, posing their agents as Ukrainian law enforcement officers to coerce people into committing crimes.

According to the SBU press service, dozens of such incidents were thwarted in 2026 alone. Russian handlers act aggressively and diversely: from direct phone calls to using complex cover stories.

The fraud scheme: from fake summons to blackmail

One of the most common and dangerous practices has become the distribution of fake summons to citizens. These documents, prepared with a high degree of authenticity, contain "summons for interrogation" to the SBU. To enhance the effect, fraudsters use forged signatures of high-ranking officials of the Security Service.

Upon receiving such a document, the victim finds themselves in a stressful situation. At this stage, Russian agents move to blackmail. They convince citizens that a criminal case can be closed, but only on the condition of completing certain "tasks".

Spectrum of crimes: from espionage to terrorism

The list of demands made by recruiters ranges from surveillance to serious crimes against public safety. It has been established that recruited individuals are forced to:

  • Monitor specific individuals and pass on information about them;
  • Transport packages with unknown contents from one address to another;
  • Purchase chemical elements for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices;
  • Commit arson of Defense Force vehicles or administrative buildings;
  • Prepare terrorist acts and sabotage at important infrastructure facilities.

Financial aspect and vulnerable groups

Sometimes the goal of agents is not only recruitment but also direct enrichment. To "avoid" imprisonment, victims are offered to transfer money to the enemy's account details or hand over cash via a courier. The legend of "verifying the authenticity" of funds is used as an excuse.

Russian intelligence services place special focus on vulnerable categories of the population. In May, the Defense Forces and the Center for Countering Disinformation recorded an intensification of the enemy, who is deliberately trying to involve even teenagers in sabotage activities.

Official position of the SBU

The Security Service of Ukraine urges citizens to remain vigilant and not trust suspicious contacts. The department emphasized that the SBU acts exclusively within the framework of current legislation, does not set illegal tasks for citizens, and never sends official documents via messengers.