Man Arrested in Ukraine for Running VPN Service to Russia
In the Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine, law enforcement has dismantled the operations of a VPN service that enabled access to Russian websites, circumventing sanctions. The organizer was found to be a 28-year-old man who had been running the service since 2022. The service facilitated access to over 48 million IP addresses of the Russian segment of the Internet, and more than 100 gigabytes of data were transmitted through the network daily.
To execute the project, the perpetrator set up an independent server room in his apartment and rented servers in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Russia. The accused promoted the project’s advertisements via Telegram channels, thematic communities, and international IT platforms.
Due to the restrictions and sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), access to the Russian internet is prohibited. As a result, Ukrainian internet providers block access to Russian platforms from within the country.
Police conducted searches in Khmelnytskyi and Zhytomyr, seizing server equipment, computers, and mobile devices containing evidence of illegal activities. Investigators are probing the existence of possible accomplices and the sources of the service’s funding. Authorities are also examining potential links between the suspect and intelligence services.
The individual has been charged under Article 361 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—unauthorized interference with the operation of information systems during martial law. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a ban on holding certain positions for up to 3 years.
