Ukraine’s security service breaks up two schemes registering Starlink terminals for Russia
The SBU says it detained three suspects in Dnipro and Zhytomyr and blocked every device the two operations had signed up.
On August 10, 2026, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced the arrest of three individuals suspected of illegally registering Starlink satellite terminals for Russian forces, as well as the thwarting of two separate schemes to add hostile terminals to Ukraine's verification list. This marks the latest in a series of arrests following a months-long pattern of tactics employed by Russia.
After Ukraine and SpaceX began cutting off smuggled Starlink terminals and requiring verification for each device, Russia resorted to paying financially desperate Ukrainians to register hostile terminals using real Ukrainian identities. The SBU identifies a consistent pattern in each case: recruitment through Telegram, registration of the terminal in the individual's name, and then pressure to recruit others.
In Dnipro, a woman working for Russia in exchange for money for drugs registered one terminal in her own name and recruited acquaintances to register more. In Zhytomyr, an unemployed woman registered one terminal and recruited a male acquaintance, moving to what the SBU called "serial activation" at post offices using front persons who handed over their personal data for a share of the payment.
The SBU described all three suspects as drug-dependent individuals seeking quick money through Telegram channels, where they had been flagged in previous cases. The service documented the suspects' activities, detained them at their homes, and blocked all terminals registered through the two schemes. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison.
These arrests highlight the ongoing struggle between Ukraine and Russia over the crucial role of Starlink in the ongoing conflict. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides fast and reliable satellite internet, essential for Ukraine's military operations and drone support. Russian forces have attempted to access the system, but their efforts have been significantly hindered by verification measures and whitelisting legitimate users.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
