Russian operatives are impersonating Ukrainian law enforcement and coercing civilians into arson, terrorism, and sabotage, the State Security Service (SBU) warned Monday.
“They called me an SBU officer… then told me to torch a Defence Forces vehicle”
The SBU says the enemy has ramped up these operations, using phones, messaging apps, and even online dating platforms to trick people into carrying out dangerous acts.
The SBU said, “During such operations, Russian agents telephone or message people, posing as employees of the SBU, the Main Intelligence Directorate, NABU, the National Police, and other law enforcement agencies.”
“The Security Service of Ukraine once again calls on citizens to maintain information hygiene and to exercise caution in contacts with unknown individuals,” the SBU added.
How the schemes work:
- Fake summonses: Calls or messages claiming to be from the SBU, NABU, or police demand targets appear in “investigations” — then offer to drop the charges in exchange for illegal tasks.
- Online honeytraps: Russian operatives create fake female profiles to gather personal information, then threaten men with criminal charges unless they cooperate.
Forced criminality involves:
- Spying on individuals and vehicles
- Transporting suspicious packages
- Assembling explosives
- Arson attacks on administrative buildings and Defence Forces vehicles
- Preparing acts of terrorism or sabotage on critical infrastructure
The SBU warns, “Do not follow instructions from anyone claiming to be law enforcement — these are enemy operations.”
Ukrainians are urged to report suspicious approaches immediately via the “Burn the FSB agent” chatbot, hotline, or email.
Experts say: This is a new wave of Russian espionage designed to destabilize Ukraine from within, targeting ordinary citizens in highly sophisticated operations.
