SBU Detains Defense Plant Engineer Suspected of Spying for Russian FSB and GRU

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, that it has detained an engineer from a defense plant, who is suspected of espionage in favor of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and military intelligence (GRU). This information came to light through an official press release from the SBU, which elaborated on the details surrounding the arrest.

According to the SBU, the detained engineer was employed at a defense enterprise located in central Ukraine, specifically in the Dnipropetrovsk region. He is accused of intending to transmit classified information regarding defense contracts, leveraging his access to state secrets and physical access to the plant's production facilities.

The Security Service of Ukraine also noted that the suspect was allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence through his son, who is currently imprisoned in Russia on drug-related charges. Information from the SBU suggests that the suspect agreed to cooperate in exchange for 'promises of amnesty' for his son.

"In exchange for promises of amnesty for the imprisoned individual, the agent was required to gather and transmit secret information about the execution of defense contracts to the enemy," stated the SBU. The press release further emphasized that the suspect planned to utilize his access to state secrets and actual access to specialized workshops within the plant to fulfill his assignments.

Moreover, the detained engineer attempted to obtain information regarding the locations of 'high-tech facilities and the production area of the enterprise,' which could potentially be used to support strikes against Ukraine by the Kremlin. The SBU also reported that the man received instructions on recruiting other agents at his workplace for the benefit of Russian intelligence.

The Security Service of Ukraine documented the suspect's activities and apprehended him directly on the premises of the defense plant. Law enforcement officials also seized electronic devices that contained evidence of communication with Russian intelligence. This case underscores the severity of the threats facing Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia and highlights the importance of the SBU's work in ensuring national security.

This incident forms part of a broader context in which Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are actively countering attempts by Russian special services to infiltrate Ukrainian defense structures. The SBU continues its efforts to identify and neutralize threats that may jeopardize Ukraine's national security.