28 Feb 2022 11:40

FSB Moscow branch asks to report contacts with persons who might be used by Ukrainian security services

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - The Moscow branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB) has asked to report contacts with persons who might be used by Ukrainian security services for the purpose of espionage and sabotage.

"The FSB department in Moscow and the Moscow region asks to report contacts with persons who might be used by Ukrainian security services for operations against Russia's security," the FSB said in a statement seen by Interfax on Monday.

"Proactive reports and cooperation with Federal Security Service bodies are the only way to avoid criminal penalty," it said.

"The number of statements made by Ukrainian citizens regarding the attempts of Ukrainian security services to engage compatriots residing and working in Russia in intelligence and sabotage has grown lately," the FSB said.

"Please note that transfer or collection of information that could be used against the security of the Russian Federation on the orders from foreign intelligence or a person acting on its behalf constitute formal elements of a crime defined by Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code (espionage) and are penalized with up to 20 years of imprisonment," it said.