Man detained in Ukraine for activating over 1,000 Starlink terminals for Russian forces

A man has been detained in Dnipro by the Security Service of Ukraine for activating over 1,000 Starlink satellite communication systems on the instructions of the Russians.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine (SSU)

Details: Acting on instructions from the Russians, the man organised a large-scale scheme to illegally verify Starlink systems.

Investigators have found that a man who was born in Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast came to the attention of Russian secret services through Telegram channels that were offering "easy money".

In exchange for cash, the suspect initially registered a Starlink terminal in his own name using personal details provided by his Russian handler.

Subsequently, he was instructed to involve as many people as possible in the verification of satellite equipment. To fulfill this task, the suspect decided to activate Starlink systems at postal service branches using the personal data of shell individuals.

The SSU found that the scheme's organiser had used this method to verify more than 1,000 satellite communication terminals for the Russians.

SSU officers exposed him, documented his crimes and detained him at his home. During the search, a smartphone containing evidence of his work for the Russians was seized. Furthermore, the SSU has blocked all Starlink terminals illegally registered by the perpetrator.

Investigators have served the suspect with a notice of suspicion under Article 111-2.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding and abetting an aggressor state). He faces up to 12 years in prison.

Background:

• On 25 January, Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov, a Ukrainian radio technology expert, reported the likely use of Starlink satellite internet by Russian forces on Shahed strike drones.
• American businessman Elon Musk responded to a request from former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov to help resolve the issue of Starlink usage on Russian strike drones.
• Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers passed a resolution implementing a "white list" for Starlink satellite terminals. Only verified and registered terminals now operate in Ukraine; all others have been disconnected.
• In February, it was reported that Russian forces had reduced the frequency of assault operations along the front line following an agreement between Ukraine and SpaceX to block unregistered Starlink satellite internet terminals.
• According to the US Defense Intelligence Agency, an estimated 400 sq km of territory were reclaimed during a Ukrainian counteroffensive earlier this year after thousands of portable Starlink internet terminals became unavailable to the Russians.

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