- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) arrested Dmitry Kozyura, the head of the country’s Anti-Terrorist Center headquarters, for allegedly being a Russian spy. The SBU claims to have evidence of at least 14 instances of espionage, including sharing intelligence on rocket attacks.
- Kozyura pleaded guilty to collaborating with Russia’s FSB and will remain in custody until his trial begins on April 11.
- The SBU says his arrest is part of a broader effort to purge Russian spies and corruption from the country.
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Another rat was rooted out in Ukraine. The country’s Security Service (SBU) announced on social media that the head of the country’s Anti-Terrorist Center headquarters was actually a Russian spy. The SBU called him a “rat” and said it had evidence of more than a dozen incidents of espionage.
Local media in Ukraine identified the alleged traitor as Dmitry Kozyura. The head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, personally participated in Kozyura’s arrest after also helping conduct the investigation.
What led to the espionage charges?
Kozyura is accused of using a Russian-supplied cell phone, SIM card, and wireless router to communicate with his handler in Russia’s Federal Security Bureau (FSB), the intelligence service that replaced the Soviet-era KGB.
Ukraine’s Security Service says it has evidence of Kozyura communicating with Russia at least 14 separate times, including one instance where he passed along details about rocket attacks. The SBU said Kozyura was fed both real and false intelligence as part of the investigation.
A day after his arrest, Kozyura appeared in a Ukrainian district court. He pleaded guilty to charges of collaborating with the Russian FSB and will remain in custody until at least April 11, when his trial is scheduled to begin. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
The spy’s family is facing punishment too
Some of Kozyura’s family members may also face prosecution. The SBU said audio intercepts revealed many of his close relatives, including his parents, were aware of and supported his actions. As a result, they too will be charged under a Ukrainian wartime statute that outlaws support for Russia’s invasion.
For his part, SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk said Kozyura’s arrest is just another step in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to rid the country of Russian spies, assets, and corruption.
