Man detained in Ukraine for activating over 1,000 Starlink terminals for Russian forces
Ukraine's Security Service detained a man in Dnipro for illegally verifying over 1,000 Starlink satellite communication systems on orders from Russia. He faces up to 12 years in prison.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained a man in Dnipro for activating over 1,000 Starlink satellite communication systems on instructions from Russia.
According to the SSU, the suspect, who was born in Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast, first came to the attention of Russian secret services through Telegram channels offering "easy money." In exchange for cash, he initially registered a Starlink terminal in his own name using personal details provided by his Russian handler.
He was then instructed to recruit as many people as possible to help verify satellite equipment. To accomplish this, the suspect arranged for Starlink systems to be activated at postal service branches using the personal details of intermediaries. The SSU found that this method was used to verify over 1,000 satellite communication terminals for the Russians.
SSU officers exposed the scheme, documented the crimes, and detained the man at his home. During a search, they seized a smartphone containing evidence of his work for Russia. All illegally registered Starlink terminals have been blocked. The suspect has been charged under Article 111-2.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding and abetting an aggressor state), which carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.
This case is part of broader efforts to counter Russian use of Starlink during the war. In January, Ukrainian radio technology expert Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported that Russians were likely using Starlink on Shahed strike drones. American businessman Elon Musk responded to a request from former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov to help resolve the issue. Ukraine's government subsequently implemented a "white list" for Starlink terminals – only verified and registered terminals now operate in Ukraine, while all others have been disconnected.
In February, reports indicated that Russian forces had reduced the frequency of assault operations along the front line after Ukraine and SpaceX agreed to block unregistered Starlink terminals. According to the US Defense Intelligence Agency, an estimated 400 square kilometers of territory was regained during a Ukrainian counteroffensive earlier this year after thousands of portable Starlink terminals became unavailable to the Russians.
