The National Police of Ukraine warns of an increase in cases of recruitment of minors by hostile intelligence services via the Internet and social networks.
During the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation, Ukrainian law enforcement officers are recording an increase in attempts to involve teenagers in subversive activities. The cyber police of the Kharkiv region have already documented the involvement of minors in scam communities and cases of registering bank cards for teenagers for use in fraudulent schemes.
“"Of particular concern are attempts by the aggressor country to recruit minors through Telegram channels to commit arson and other sabotage," the cyber police report.
According to statistics, every second child in Ukraine actively uses the Internet, but teenagers are often unaware of the dangers associated with the activities of dubious online groups, cyberbullying, and targeted manipulation.
Law enforcement officers identify several common tactics of the enemy:
– Social networks and messengers: use of fake accounts, distribution of “interesting vacancies” with high pay for simple tasks, invitations to closed groups.
– Fake job offers: ads with high payments for collecting information about strategic objects.
– Blackmail and intimidation: using personal information to force cooperation.
– Ideological processing: dissemination of propaganda materials.
The Cyber Police Department recommends that parents inform children about the dangers of recruitment and criminal liability for subversive activities; monitor their child's online activity and circle of online acquaintances; monitor compliance with curfews; and immediately report any recruitment attempts to the police by calling 102.
Law enforcement officers strongly advise teenagers to be extremely careful with strangers on the Internet; to tell adults about new online acquaintances; to avoid sites with questionable content; and to immediately notify the police if they receive suggestions to commit sabotage.
Collaboration with the enemy may be qualified under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
– Article 111 (High Treason) – up to life imprisonment
– Article 113 (Sabotage) – up to life imprisonment
– Part 2 of Article 194 (Intentional destruction of property) – up to 10 years of imprisonment
Important! According to Part 3 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, citizens of Ukraine who voluntarily notify authorities of tasks received from the enemy and do not take any action to fulfill them are exempt from criminal liability.
Cyberpolice urge parents and children to be careful online and follow basic rules cybersecurity and join educational projects together with «"BRAMA – online guardian of Ukraine"».