A teenage Ukrainian girl faces life in jail after being arrested for spying for Russian intelligence.
According to Ukrainian officials, the 16-year-old had been recruited by Russia’s military intelligence service the GRU to help prepare an airstrike against the region of Chernihiv in the north of the country.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) said the teen was specifically tasked with identifying the locations of anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces stationed near the border.
To avoid detection, the teenager used taxis to travel discreetly while secretly photographing military sites.
She then compiled intelligence reports, including geolocations and media files, which she sent to her Russian handler in the form of media files, complete with geolocations, designed to help bypass Ukraine's air defense systems.
She was arrested after being caught red-handed by SSU's Military Counterintelligence snapping pictures of a military facility.
Further investigation revealed that she was in direct communication with a Russian GRU officer, using an anonymous messaging app to relay her intelligence.
During a search of her home, agents found a mobile phone containing critical evidence linking her to espionage and subversive activities on behalf of Russia.
The teenager is currently in custody facing charges of high treason.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) said the teen was specifically tasked with identifying the locations of anti-aircraft missile systems and radar stations belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces stationed near the border.
To avoid detection, the teenager used taxis to travel discreetly while secretly photographing military sites.
She then compiled intelligence reports, including geolocations and media files, which she sent to her Russian handler in the form of media files, complete with geolocations, designed to help bypass Ukraine's air defense systems.
Caught in the act
She was arrested after being caught red-handed by SSU's Military Counterintelligence snapping pictures of a military facility.
Further investigation revealed that she was in direct communication with a Russian GRU officer, using an anonymous messaging app to relay her intelligence.
During a search of her home, agents found a mobile phone containing critical evidence linking her to espionage and subversive activities on behalf of Russia.
The teenager is currently in custody facing charges of high treason.
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