‘False Flag’ Tactic: Russian Spies Pose as SBU, Lure Citizens Into Acts of Sabotage

Russian intelligence services have adopted a new scheme to recruit Ukrainian citizens. Moscow’s operatives now pose as representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The Russians attempt to pass themselves off as Ukrainian counterintelligence officers and, under this cover, assign tasks to individuals, often of a criminal nature, claiming they are “in the interests of the Ukrainian State.”

“This is a so-called ‘false flag’ special operation tactic, which until now had not been widely used by the Russian occupiers, but is now being actively employed,” the SBU press service said in a statement on Thursday, June 5.

According to the SBU, several crimes of this sort have been prevented in recent weeks. The SBU urges citizens to remain vigilant and not fall for such ruses.

One of the most common deception tactics involves sending fake summonses via messaging apps, instructing individuals to report to an “SBU investigator” regarding a fabricated criminal case. Typically, the pretext is the alleged purchase of “goods prohibited in Ukraine.”

Following this, unknown individuals posing as SBU staff contact the person by phone and offer to “help close the case.” In return, the targets are asked to carry out specific assignments, such as:

• Surveillance of individuals
• Transporting unknown items from one location to another
• Transferring money to an unfamiliar bank card, supposedly to “donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine”
• Purchasing chemical components and assembling an improvised explosive device
• Setting fire to Defense Forces vehicles or administrative buildings
• Committing acts of sabotage

During these interactions, Russian handlers may also demand that the target install malicious software on phones so as to allow remote surveillance of the device owner.

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Whereas in the past Russian intelligence primarily targeted teenagers for recruitment, they are now increasingly focusing on elderly individuals. The tactics remain the same: intimidation with fake criminal charges and offers of “help” in exchange for carrying out assignments that amount to sabotage or other crimes.

The SBU emphasizes that its personnel operate strictly within the framework of Ukrainian law. Genuine SBU officers do not demand the installation of any third-party software, do not assign suspicious tasks, and do not use unofficial channels of communication.

If you receive a suspicious summons or are contacted by unknown individuals claiming to be SBU officers, you should immediately report it via the SBU’s official Telegram chatbot: t.me/spaly_fsb_bot, or call the SBU hotline: 0 800 501 482.