A high-ranking official from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has been detained on allegations of serving as a Russian informant.

Although the SBU did not disclose the individual’s identity, Ukrainian media sources have reported that he is Col. Dmytro Kozyura, the chief of staff of their anti-terrorism center.

Footage circulated by local outlets depicted him being handcuffed during his arrest by Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU.

The statement from the agency indicated there were at least 14 instances where this individual, labeled a “traitor,” gathered and relayed information to Russian authorities. The SBU’s investigation employed audio and video surveillance, along with access to mobile devices and computers.

Following Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has initiated multiple operations targeting suspected Russian operatives within the nation.

Malyuk was personally invested in the investigation of the suspect and led the operation that resulted in his capture, with updates on the process communicated directly to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the report, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) began recruiting him in Vienna back in 2018. He was inactive for several years, with contact from his handlers resuming only last December.

“Using encrypted program bookmarks, we accessed the traitor’s devices – mobile terminals and computers,” Malyuk stated in a video message released on the SBU’s website.

“We effectively surveilled him, conducting extensive audio and video monitoring. Through this, we were able to thoroughly document the collection and distribution of sensitive information to the adversary.”

Malyuk noted that the SBU had been strategically feeding misinformation to Moscow during the ongoing investigation.

“The SBU’s self-purging efforts are ongoing. Regardless of how the enemy attempts to infiltrate our ranks… they will ultimately be unsuccessful. We are adept at identifying, documenting, and apprehending them in a timely manner.”