Former guards of futigive president Yanukovych charged in major spying case
Source: SBU, National Police
Ukrainian authorities said they have uncovered a sophisticated spy network working in Ukraine for Russia’s FSB. According to the SBU, the agents spied on Ukrainian intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and high-level officials while their Russian handlers planned to use the gathered information for “assassinations, recruitment, and psychological operations”.
Among the detained men were two former security guards of Viktor Yanukovych and an active National Guard officer. The spying plot was led by Dmitry Ivantsov, a former head of the State Guard Department who helped Yanukovych to flee to Russia in 2014. Recruited by FSB in 2012, Ivantsov is now residing in occupied Crimea.
His spy network included Roman Lapa, another Yanukovych security service guard, and a 46-year-old National Guard officer whose name was not disclosed. The officer who earlier worked as Ivantsov’s driver was found using his connections within law enforcement to gather ‘sensitive information’ about Ukrainian officials.
The National Guard officer was arrested and now is facing treason charges, while Ivantsov and Lapa have been charged in absentia under the same allegations.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
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