Russian intelligence services have begun to actively use popular multiplayer online games to recruit Ukrainian teenagers. The attackers collect data on underage players, then use blackmail and psychological pressure to force them to carry out armed attacks in schools.
Russian intelligence services have begun to actively use popular multiplayer online games to recruit Ukrainian teenagers. The attackers collect data on underage players, then use blackmail and psychological pressure to force them to carry out armed attacks in schools.
The head of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, Myroslav Biletsky, reported on new methods of hostile cyberwarfare and manipulation involving children.
According to him, the region has already recorded two high-profile cases when schoolchildren tried to commit violent acts under enemy control. One incident was prevented in the village of Bushtyno, where a student planned to bring a knife to class and attack classmates. The second incident occurred on April 16 in the town of Chop and ended in shooting.
Then a 15-year-old boy opened fire with a stun gun that had been converted into a firearm. The teenager has now been detained, and the police are treating the incident as a terrorist act. There were no casualties, but the young man could face up to life in prison.
"The enemy does not disdain any methods... using even children for their criminal intentions and actions. In both situations, enemy special services acted through online games. They study their victim well, find leverage, intimidate, pushing them to commit a crime," said Biletsky.
According to the investigation, the teenager from Chop met his supervisors in an online game, after which the communication moved to one of the messengers. The guy reported that he received threats from unknown individuals who promised to harm his family if he did not comply with their demands.
To minimize risks, the OVA calls for holding parent meetings in schools with the participation of law enforcement officers, where they will explain in detail the signs of psychological pressure on children online. The region also plans to scale up the installation of metal detectors and the involvement of security officers in educational institutions.
This is not the first time that enemy intelligence services have recruited Ukrainians in online games. Recently, a 21-year-old resident of Bucha planted and detonated an explosive device on one of the city streets, damaging the windows and facade of one of the houses.
It was previously reported that a programmer who planned to blow up the military registration and enlistment office, the regional state administration, and a Privatbank branch was sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison in Zhytomyr. The trial lasted 10 years, and the defendants were exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war.
