The SBU neutralized a Russian GRU combat group that was preparing a military takeover in Odesa. Photo

SBU military counterintelligence neutralized a Russian military intelligence (GRU) operational and combat group in Odesa. The head of the enemy cell and his "right hand man" were detained in the regional center, and a lot of weapons, ammunition and tactical equipment were seized.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, these criminals intended to help the occupation forces if they approached the Ukrainian port city, and when the aggressor's plan failed, they went "into the shadows". This was reported by the SBU and the Prosecutor General's Office, telling what threatens the enemy agents.

Thus, according to the instructions of the Russian secret service, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, these offenders were preparing for the seizure of state institutions in Odesa region. In addition to storming administrative buildings, the offenders were tasked with attacking the Defense Forces from the rear if the occupiers advanced to the regional center.

After the Russians' failures at the front, the enemy put this task force on standby and activated it only in the summer of 2024, giving it new secret missions.

The Security Service of Ukraine thwarted the enemy's intentions: it documented subversive activities and neutralized the group immediately after it was "activated" by the enemy. It was established that the group's leader was a 49-year-old resident of the temporarily occupied Crimea.

After the seizure of the peninsula, he moved to Odesa, where, at the beginning of the full-scale war, he began to form operational and combat units under the guise of several NGOs.

"For the general public, the NGO dealt with issues of military history, ecology and law, but in reality it created underground groups: snipers, intelligence, communications, operational support, and one of the main ones – an assault group. In the selection of potential candidates, preference was given to citizens with special skills, combat experience, or narrowly specialized specialists," the SBU explained.

In the event of the capture of Odesa, the aggressor promised the members of this group "positions" in the local occupation administration.

In total, the suspects managed to recruit more than 20 people who were subordinate to the leader according to the principles of military hierarchy. All of them are currently under investigation, and comprehensive measures are being taken to bring them to justice for crimes against Ukraine.

During the searches, the law enforcement officers seized instructions on subversive activities, cold steel weapons, including those with the logo of the Russian special services, and computer equipment with evidence of crimes. In addition, more than 70 firearms with optical sights and ammunition, as well as bulletproof vests, helmets, ballistic goggles and other tactical equipment were seized.

The special operation was conducted jointly with the SBU Investigative Unit in Odesa region under the procedural supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office. Based on the collected evidence, the SBU investigators served the detainees a notice of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

– art. 28(2), Art. 109(1) (actions aimed at violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons)

– art. 1, 3, Art. 260 (creation of paramilitary or armed groups not provided for by law).

The SBI added that the detainees are in custody and face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. Investigative actions are also underway to identify all members of the "organization".

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