SBU exposes Hungarian military spy network targeting Ukraine’s Zakarpattia Oblast
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) uncovered a Hungarian military intelligence network spying on Zakarpattia Oblast’s defenses and local sentiment, arresting two agents who face life imprisonment, the SBU announced on Facebook.
The network collected data on Zakarpattia Oblast’s military security, vulnerabilities in ground and air defenses, and local residents’ potential reactions to a hypothetical Hungarian military presence.
The two detained agents were directed by an identified Hungarian military intelligence officer, according to the SBU.
What is known about the two agents?
One of the agents was a 40-year-old former military man from the Berehove district, who was recruited by foreigners and put into "standby mode" back in 2021.
Counterintelligence and investigators found out that the handler "activated" this agent in September 2024. He was tasked with studying the mood of the local population and obtaining the following information:
- What will be the reaction of the military and civilian population of Zakarpattia Oblast if a peacekeeping contingent, in particular the Hungarian military, enters the region?
- what military equipment and weapons can be purchased on the black market of Zakarpattia Oblast;
- What is the situation with the migration of the Hungarian population in the region?
- what military forces are located in Zakarpattia Oblast, how many transport and combat vehicles are there;
- how well equipped and how many law enforcement agencies are there, etc.
After that, the agent personally scouted the location of the Defense Forces and the coordinates of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in the region.
But when he gathered intelligence, he left for Hungary to report to the handler. To cross the border, the man had a certificate of care issued for his sick father, who needed treatment abroad.
According to the case materials, during the meeting, the Hungarian intelligence officer gave the agent money for completing tasks. In particular, the man was looking for a network of informants, trying to recruit at least two people, the SBU established.
Their second meeting took place in March. The suspect received a phone with special software for covert communication. New tasks also appeared: identifying official vehicles of the Security and Defense Forces in Zakarpattia Oblast, transmitting data on the losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the war and current events from the front line.
Another detainee is a former member of the Security and Defense Forces who resigned from the unit in 2025. She was supposed to inform the Hungarians about the presence of airplanes and helicopters in the region, as well as about the defense systems of the military unit where she served.
The suspects were detained at their places of residence. During the search, their phones and other evidence were seized.
What is the punishment?
Investigators charged the defendants under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law). The detainees are in custody and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Measures are currently underway to bring to justice all participants in the Hungarian intelligence agent network.
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