Ukraine Dismantles Bot Farm Allegedly Supplying Fake Telegram Accounts to Russian Intelligence
Summary
Ukraine’s SBU and police say they detained a suspected Zhytomyr bot-farm organizer and blocked nearly 20,000 fake profiles allegedly sold to Russian intelligence for propaganda, false mining claims and phishing. Investigators seized about 2,000 SIM cards.
Key points
- Ukraine’s SBU and National Police say they detained the suspected organizer of a bot farm in Zhytomyr and blocked nearly 20,000 fraudulent profiles.
- Authorities allege the suspect sold more than 3,000 fake Telegram accounts per month to Russian clients.
- The accounts were reportedly created using Ukrainian mobile numbers and marketed on specialized online platforms.
- Officials say Russian intelligence representatives used the accounts for propaganda and false claims that facilities had been mined.
- Investigators seized computers, mobile phones, USB modem hubs and nearly 2,000 SIM cards.
- If convicted, the suspect faces up to six years in prison.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Ukrainian authorities dismantled an alleged bot farm supplying fake social media and Telegram accounts to Russian intelligence for information operations.
- Impact
- Authorities blocked nearly 20,000 fraudulent profiles and detained the suspected organizer in Zhytomyr. Investigators seized computer equipment, mobile phones, modem hubs, and nearly 2,000 SIM cards. Officials say the accounts were used to spread propaganda, false mining claims, and phishing messages. If convicted, the suspect faces up to six years in prison.
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RussiaUkrainian authorities say Russia has repeatedly used such networks during the war to amplify propaganda, spread disinformation, and manipulate online discussions.UkraineUkrainian authorities have dismantled a so-called “bot farm” that police say was supplying thousands of fake social media accounts to Russian intelligence services for use in disinformation campaigns against Ukraine.