Kathrine Frich
Authorities claim he used his experience as a military instructor to collect and sell sensitive information for cash.
A British man has been arrested in Ukraine on suspicion of passing military secrets to Russian intelligence.
Alleged espionage
Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, said the suspect had advertised himself on pro-Kremlin internet forums before establishing contact with Russian handlers.
Prosecutors in Kyiv said he arrived in Ukraine in January 2024 and began training Ukrainian soldiers in Mykolaiv.
He later worked with border units but left his post in September that year.
After moving to Odesa, he allegedly met a representative of Russia’s special services and agreed to share information for payment.
According to investigators, the man transmitted locations of Ukrainian units, photographs of training areas and details about personnel.
Authorities said he also tried to access restricted sites and discussed the possible use of explosives.
Money and instructions
Officials said the Briton received around 6,000 dollars, roughly 5,100 pounds, for one of his spying assignments.
The SBU claimed he was preparing to carry out terrorist attacks with the support of Russian agents.
The security service said the man had professional experience in firearms and tactical operations.
Investigators also found that Russian intelligence had sent him instructions for building an improvised explosive device and directions to a hidden weapons cache.
He allegedly retrieved a pistol and two loaded magazines from that stash before being detained at his residence in Kyiv.
Investigation under way
The suspect appeared in court this week and was ordered to remain in custody while a pre-trial investigation continues.
The case is being handled by the SBU and Ukrainian counterintelligence teams.
If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been informed but has not commented publicly.
Sources: The Sun, BBC, Reuters, Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
