A serious case of espionage has been uncovered in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast. Authorities are investigating a 48-year-old engineer working for the state railway company Ukrzaliznytsia. He is accused of secretly working with Russian security services and gathering sensitive information during his regular duties on the railway.
According to investigators, while repairing tracks in the eastern border region, the man allegedly kept track of the movement of Ukrainian Armed Forces trains. These trains carried troops and equipment, which are critical for defense in the ongoing war. The suspect is said to have used his work trips to discreetly watch and collect military-related data.
Officials state that the engineer went further than just observing. He allegedly used his phone to mark the locations of defensive lines and Ukrainian army positions on Google Maps. This information was then passed outside of Ukraine, according to the investigation. The collected intelligence is believed to have been of high value to Russian forces, who could use it to plan new attacks along the border areas of Kharkiv.
The case has shocked the region, as it involves an employee of the country’s key railway system. Ukrzaliznytsia is one of Ukraine’s lifelines during the war, transporting not only cargo and civilians but also playing a vital role in supplying the Defense Forces.
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Allegations against the Ukraine railway worker
Law enforcement sources confirm that the suspect was gathering information in both the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. His alleged spying was not limited to troop movements but also included the locations of fortifications and engineering facilities. Such information could be used by the enemy to target military infrastructure and weaken defenses.
Prosecutors claim that the accused had direct communication with a representative from the Russian Federation. In return for his spying activities, he was promised monetary rewards in cryptocurrency. This detail highlights how digital payments are being used as tools in modern espionage, allowing transactions without the need for direct cash or traceable bank accounts.
The suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody. Authorities have clarified that he is not allowed bail, given the seriousness of the accusations. He now faces the gravest of charges — state treason. Under Ukrainian law, this crime can lead to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Officials say the investigation is still ongoing. Evidence from operational measures, expert examinations, and witness testimonies is being gathered. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, further details remain confidential until official announcements are made.
How the Espionage Was Discovered
The uncovering of this case was the result of joint work between Ukraine’s security service and the prosecutor’s office. Investigators say the man’s unusual activities during his repair duties raised red flags. His interest in military movements and his use of mapping tools like Google Maps eventually led to suspicions.
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During inspections, authorities reportedly found digital traces of the intelligence he had been collecting. These included records of troop locations and marked maps showing defensive structures. The collected data, according to investigators, was intended to be used by Russian occupiers to plan further strikes in the region.
The suspect’s position as an installation engineer gave him unique access to areas close to railway infrastructure. This provided him with opportunities to observe and collect information without easily raising suspicion. However, the close monitoring of strategic areas by Ukrainian security forces eventually exposed his activities.
The news of this espionage case has caused widespread concern. The railway system is one of the most critical elements of Ukraine’s defense and everyday life, and trust in its staff is essential. The fact that a state employee is accused of betraying his country to work for the benefit of enemy forces adds weight to the seriousness of the situation.
For now, the accused remains under investigation. The criminal proceedings continue, and no further details will be released until authorities conclude their official examinations. What is clear, however, is that this case shows how even ordinary work roles can be exploited for dangerous purposes during wartime.
