The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained two Ukrainian citizens who agreed to illegally register Starlink satellite terminals for Russian forces, a crime that carries a potential life sentence.
Counterintelligence and cyber specialists exposed the suspects in the Odesa region. Investigators said the two, a 36-year-old unemployed man and his 28-year-old partner from Izmail, were recruited by Russian operatives through Telegram channels offering “easy money.”
According to an SBU post on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the suspects were offered $30 for each Starlink terminal they registered for use by Russian forces.
They also tried to involve others in the scheme, reportedly targeting local drug-addicted individuals to help them visit administrative service centers to complete registrations.
SBU officers detained the couple before they could recruit additional accomplices. Searches of their phones uncovered evidence of communication with Russian handlers, instructions for legalizing the equipment, and arrangements for payment.
The suspects have been charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code – high treason committed during martial law by a group acting in prior conspiracy.
The charges carry a penalty of life imprisonment. Both are being held in custody.
The arrests come as Ukraine steps up efforts to secure its Starlink network. Only verified terminals are allowed to operate, with a new registration system designed to block Russian forces from hijacking the satellites for drone strikes.
On Feb. 4, at Ukraine’s request, SpaceX disabled hundreds of grey- and black-market Starlink terminals in Russia and occupied territories – leaving Ukrainian forces unaffected while cutting off key Russian communications and drone operations.
Starlink shutdown has reportedly severely crippled Russian communications, with Russian troops struggling to coordinate, control drones, and react.
Several Western media outlets reported last week that between Feb. 11 and 14, Ukraine recaptured about 201 square kilometers (78 square miles) of territory in just five days – its largest gain in two-and-a-half years – according to an AFP analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
ISW analysts suggested the advance may have coincided with disruptions to Russian access to Starlink.
On Monday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky put the figure even higher, saying Ukrainian forces have regained control of 400 square kilometers (over 154 square miles) and eight settlements in the Oleksandrivsky direction since the end of January.
The SBU warned that anyone assisting Russia with Starlink registration becomes an accomplice in attacks on Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. “They will be identified and held accountable,” the agency said.