Six Channel Administrators Arrested by Ukraine’s SBU; Four Already Sentenced.

Telegram and Viber Channel Administrators Detained

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has apprehended six administrators of Telegram and Viber channels operating in the Kirovohrad region. These individuals are suspected of spreading false information about the Armed Forces of Ukraine and discrediting the country’s mobilization efforts. They face charges under Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of five to eight years in prison.

The detained administrators allegedly used their controlled platforms to distribute details about:

• locations where draft notices were being issued;
• positions of mobile checkpoints;
• other data that could help individuals evade military service and destabilize the region.

SBU spokesperson Yuliia Tkach provided this information.

A court has already delivered verdicts for four of the six suspects, and these rulings have taken legal effect. Investigations into the remaining individuals are ongoing. This crackdown highlights the ongoing fight against misinformation and the protection of Ukraine’s national security during wartime.

The Serious Threat of Disinformation

This case underscores the severe danger that disinformation poses during armed conflict, as it can significantly undermine public morale and the effectiveness of defense operations. The SBU’s actions reflect a stepped-up effort by Ukrainian law enforcement to counter information attacks—a critical component of maintaining stability and security in the country.