FSB detains Russians over SIM-box network for Ukraine
FSB detained a group of Russians in Mordovia suspected of supporting the covert operation of SIM-boxes for Ukraine's military intelligence. The group was allegedly coordinated by a Russian citizen working with Ukrainian special services.
Consensus
- FSB detained a group of Russian citizens in Mordovia.
- The group was involved in supporting the covert operation of SIM-boxes.
- The SIM-boxes were allegedly used in the interests of Ukraine's military intelligence.
- The activities were coordinated by a Russian citizen collaborating with Ukrainian special services.
- The Russian citizen supplied the group with 'gray' SIM cards and SIM-boxes.
- The SIM-boxes were active in Saransk.
- A criminal case was opened under Article 274.3, part 3 of the Russian Criminal Code for illegal use of a terminal for traffic passage.
- A separate criminal case was opened under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code for treason in the form of other assistance.
- Investigative actions are ongoing to gather evidence and identify other participants.
Points of divergence
- On August 10, FSB reported the detention of a 50-year-old man planning a terrorist attack in Kherson Oblast using a bomb disguised as a power bank. The man was allegedly recruited through Telegram by an agent of Ukrainian special services to target Russian military personnel stationed in Skadovsk. — vedomosti
- On the day before the Mordovia operation, security forces detained a man in Kherson Oblast who was preparing a terrorist attack against Russian military forces. The man was recruited via a messenger by an agent of Ukrainian special services. — vm
Coverage (6 sources)
- In Mordovia, a group of Russians suspected of supporting the work of SIM-boxes 'in the interests of Ukraine's intelligence' was detained — Медиазона
- FSB: In Mordovia, SIM-box operators working for Ukrainian intelligence services were detained — Коммерсантъ
- In Mordovia, the FSB detained a group of Russians who were providing SIM-box services — Ведомости
- FSB detained group of Russians in Mordovia working with SIM-boxes for Ukraine — Вечерняя Москва
- FSB detained Russians who ensured the operation of SIM-boxes on Ukraine's orders — Вести
- FSB reported on the arrest of a group of SIM-box operators in Mordovia — Интерфакс