A bot farm operating for Russia was uncovered in Zhytomyr
In Zhytomyr, law enforcement detained a man who, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), had organized the mass sale of fake Telegram accounts for Russian intelligence services and supplied thousands of profiles every month. Through these accounts, the enemy spread disinformation about Ukraine and sent fake “bomb threat” messages, creating panic. This was reported by the SBU.
In Zhytomyr, a man was exposed who turned the creation of fake Telegram accounts into a systematic business serving Russian intelligence services. According to the SBU, he sold more than 3,000 such profiles per month, registered using Ukrainian mobile phone numbers.
The scheme was relatively simple but large-scale: the suspect mass-registered “dummy” accounts and then sold them through specialized online platforms targeting Russian customers. According to the investigation, the main buyers were representatives of Russian intelligence agencies.
The acquired accounts were used by the Russian side in two main ways. The first was information warfare: the accounts, disguised as ordinary Ukrainian users, spread fake news about the situation in the country and discredited Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The second was creating panic through mass messages about alleged bomb threats targeting infrastructure facilities.
During a search, law enforcement officers detained the suspect at his residence, where he had organized his “bot farm.” Computer equipment, USB hubs with modems, mobile phones, and nearly 2,000 SIM cards from various operators were also seized. In addition, the SBU blocked around 20,000 fake profiles used in Russian information operations.
The detained man has been formally charged under articles related to unauthorized interference with information systems committed in conspiracy with a group of persons. The investigation is ongoing and is identifying possible accomplices and additional episodes of activity.
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