In Odessa, a Russian agent was installing GPS trackers on fuel tankers

In Odesa, the Security Service of Ukraine detained a 20-year-old Russian agent who was installing GPS trackers on fuel tankers to help Russian intelligence agencies pinpoint the coordinates of Ukrainian oil depots. According to the SBU, the enemy planned to launch missile and drone strikes against them.

As reported by the Security Service of Ukraine, the suspect installed at least two tracking devices with remote access for Russian intelligence agencies. He attached one of the GPS trackers to a military fuel tanker and the other to a civilian fuel tanker.

According to the Russian plan, the trackers were intended to help monitor the tankers’ routes and identify the locations where they were refueled. The coordinates of the oil depots obtained were to be used to guide missile-equipped drones and missiles.

The SBU stated that it had uncovered the enemy’s plan in advance, dismantled the spy devices, and detained the suspect. According to the security service, the planned attacks could have disrupted the logistics of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and destabilized the situation in the region.

The investigation established that the detainee is a 20-year-old former student at one of Odesa’s universities who worked as a loader at a post office. He came to the attention of Russian intelligence agencies after, according to the SBU, he began looking for easy money on Telegram channels following his expulsion from the university.

Initially, he gathered information about the consequences of Russian attacks on Odesa. Later, he was tasked with identifying the locations of oil depots. To maintain secrecy, he moved around the city on foot or by public bus.

During searches, investigators seized a smartphone from the detainee containing evidence of his collaboration with Russian intelligence agencies.

SBU investigators informed the man that he is suspected of high treason committed under martial law, pursuant to Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He is being held in custody without the right to bail.

If found guilty, the suspect faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Андрій Колісніченко