FSB Detains Young Suspect for Allegedly Aiding Ukrainian Intelligence in Crimea

On Tuesday, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of an individual in Crimea, which has been annexed, on charges of espionage for Ukrainian military intelligence.

According to the FSB, Ukrainian agents are reportedly increasingly utilizing messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp to enlist Russians for espionage and sabotage activities.

The individual, whose only identifying information is his birth year of 2003, was taken into custody in the coastal town of Kerch on the annexed Crimean peninsula. He allegedly disseminated images and videos of Russian air defense installations to Ukraine’s military intelligence.

Russian state media released footage showing FSB officers apprehending the suspect at his home.

In a video recorded during his interrogation, the man, whose identity was obscured, claimed he had provided Google Maps images of Russian military locations and air defense systems to Ukraine in late January 2024.

“Subsequently, I was asked to verify their positions with photographic or video proof,” he stated, though it was unclear if he was under pressure at the time.

The individual has been placed in pre-trial custody and could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of treason.