Russian security services have detained a 34-year-old resident of Mordovia on suspicion of high treason. According to a report by the FSB’s Public Relations Center on Saturday, March 21, the individual is accused of registering over a thousand SIM cards and 10 virtual stations with Russian mobile operators, acting on behalf of Ukrainian special services.
Investigations revealed that the Saransk resident established contact with a representative of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) through a messenger application. Between August and October 2025, he allegedly acquired more than a thousand SIM cards and ten virtual stations from Russian telecom providers, subsequently transferring access to these resources to his GUR handlers in exchange for payment.
The FSB stated that these communication resources were then utilized for remote fraudulent schemes targeting Russian citizens, as well as for planning and executing subversive operations.
To ensure anonymity and conceal financial transactions, the funds were reportedly transferred to cryptocurrency wallets created by the suspect himself, the FSB added.
The Investigative Department of the FSB Directorate for the Republic of Mordovia has initiated a criminal case under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to high treason (defined as providing other assistance to a foreign state). By court order, the suspect has been placed in custody.
