SSU exposes Russian GRU agent network, including Member of Parliament of Ukraine

The Security Service of Ukraine uncovered an agent network of the Russian military intelligence agency GRU. The network was helping the enemy during the invasion of Ukraine.

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

The People’s Deputy (Member of Parliament – Ed.) of Ukraine Andrii Derkach turned out to be a member of the network. He created a number of private security companies based in the eastern and southern regions and aimed to assist Russian troops.

A pre-trial investigation has now been launched against Derkach.

“The operational work against the network started a while ago, but the SSU neutralized the threat for good at the beginning of the war, when former Assistant to the People’s Deputy Ihor Kolesnikov was detained. As an unofficial GRU employee (call sign “Veteran”), he was a liaison and a financial courier between the intelligence service of the Russian Federation and Derkach,” the statement said.

Kolesnikov said that Andrii Derkach was recruited in 2016. He was personally contacted by GRU supreme command, namely – Head of the Department Igor Kostyukov, and his first Deputy Vladimir Alekseev.

Derkach received funds from the Russian secret service to create “security structures.” That amounted to $3-4 million every few months.

Kolesnikov was receiving the money and handing it over to Andrii Derkach. The investigation materials show a significant part of these funds remaining in the pockets of the People’s Deputy.

Detained by the SSU Ihor Kolesnikov agreed to a deal with the prosecution and testified about the network activities.

“When the troops would enter apparently surrendering cities, these private security companies were supposed to ensure the passage of equipment, sit on armor with Russian flags, and thus provide a peaceful entrance to the cities,” said Kolesnikov.

In May, the court announced his sentence for high treason.

Kolesnikov also said that the enemy planned to capture the capital with two special forces brigades and special operations forces. They had to enter from the territory of Belarus, quickly advance to Kyiv, capture the Government Quarter, and gather a people’s assembly in the Verkhovna Rada. There they were to announce the creation of a new government.

The SSU continues its investigative efforts to bring to justice all people involved in the extensive agency network.

Andrii Derkach is a People’s Deputy of Ukraine. Since September 2010 he has been included in the US personal sanctions list as a “Russian agent with more than ten years of experience.”

Andrii Derkach’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Liga online media reported that he is now “on the run” according to its law enforcement source.