Shadow ‘Factory’ of Fake Accounts for Russia’s Information Subversion Liquidated

During the investigative and operational actions in the Zhytomyr region, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) neutralised a cyber group that was massively “producing” fake accounts ordered by the Russian Federation.

The representatives of the aggressor country used accounts to disseminate destructive anti-Ukrainian publications, including manipulative ones, and carried out information subversion against Ukraine’s national security.

It has been established that two residents of the Zhytomyr region were involved in illegal activities. They massively created fake accounts on social networks, using special software made in Russia.

The hacker programme allowed for the creation of virtual accounts without the use of mobile services.

They sold “ready-made” accounts to their Russian customers through specialised Internet platforms. The wrongdoers received reward via electronic wallets of non-bank payment systems banned in Ukraine.

During searches at the places of residence of the culprits, the law enforcement officers found:

• Computer equipment with special software for mass automated account creation
• Means of communication and other evidence of illegal activity

Within the criminal proceedings initiated by SBU investigators under Part 1 of Art. 111 (treason) and Part 1 of Art. 182 (violation of privacy) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, a pre-trial investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the offence and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Natalia Tolub