How Russia uses military car arsonists in Ukraine: Bihus.Info investigation (video)
The recruitment process is carried out through Telegram channels, where they offer to earn "easy money".
The publication Bihus.Info, known for its anti-corruption investigations, received materials from the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the investigations into the arson of cars belonging to the military and conducted an interview with the detained pallium.
Journalists published video story with audio recordings, videos and a conversation with Pallium on his YouTube channel.
According to the investigation, the Russian special services are trying to recruit Ukrainians to create an agent network that would help destabilize the situation inside the country.
According to journalists, recruitment is carried out through Telegram channels, where easy earnings are offered. When a person applies for such an ad, a Russian curator contacts them.
Bihus.Info talked to a 16-year-old arrested pal, who admitted that he found an “attractive offer” of part-time work in Telegram channels.
“I was looking for a part-time job on Telegram and came across an interesting vacancy that promised easy money in a short time. I wrote to the ad, and after a while they told me that I needed to set fire to a car or a military commissariat,” said the detainee.
Journalists note that at first the curators assign simple tasks, such as photographing houses or searching for information about a person, but gradually the tasks become more complicated and the payment increases. Later, they offer more dangerous tasks, such as setting cars on fire.
It is also reported that Russian curators use psychological methods of influence, first establishing an emotional connection with the recruits, and then blackmailing them with the threat of reporting their actions to law enforcement agencies. This allows the curators to continue manipulating the recruits.
SBU spokesman Artem Dekhtyarenko said in a comment for Bihus.Info that all suspects in setting fire to military vehicles were identified and detained. In addition, the special services identified customers from Russia and announced suspicions to them in absentia.
Depending on the circumstances of the crime, palliam can be indicted under up to five articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. For treason they face life imprisonment, and for obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – up to 5 years of imprisonment.
