Ukrainian security services detain Russian agent inside Kyiv bank Photo

Ukrainian authorities have detained a suspected Russian agent working within a commercial bank in Kyiv, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on February 9.

The suspect, a 40-year-old employee of the bank’s information security department, was reportedly recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Caliber.Az reports. 

According to the SBU, he gathered personal data on clients affiliated with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and volunteer groups, information that could have been exploited for terrorist attacks, disinformation campaigns, and recruitment operations against Ukraine’s military personnel.

During a search of the suspect’s premises, investigators seized four smartphones, multiple replacement SIM cards, three laptops containing stored data, and contact information for his Russian handler.

The SBU said the employee had drawn attention due to activity on a social network banned in Ukraine and had conducted “test” intelligence operations near Ukrainian military bases in Kyiv.

By Sabina Mammadli