The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has, for the first time in Ukraine’s history, exposed a network of agents from Hungary's military intelligence, which was conducting espionage activities harmful to Ukraine.
The task of this cell was to gather information on the military security of the Zakarpattia region, identify vulnerabilities in the region’s land and air defense, and study the socio-political views of local residents, including scenarios of their behavior in the event Hungarian troops entered the region.
Following comprehensive operations in Zakarpattia, the SSU detained two agents from the Hungarian intelligence network.
According to the investigation, the handler of both suspects was a senior officer of the Hungarian military intelligence, whose identity has already been established by the SSU.
One of the agents was a 40-year-old former military officer from the Berehove district, who was recruited by foreigners and placed in “waiting mode” in 2021.
According to counterintelligence and SSU investigators, the handler “activated” this agent in September 2024.
The traitor was then tasked with studying the sentiments of the local population and obtaining information on:
- What would be the reaction of the military and civilian population of Zakarpattia if a peacekeeping contingent, including Hungarian troops, entered the region;
- What military equipment and weapons could be purchased on the black market in Zakarpattia;
- The situation regarding Hungarian migration to the region;
- The military forces stationed in Zakarpattia, including the number of vehicles and combat machines;
- The readiness and personnel numbers of law enforcement agencies, among other things.
It was documented that after this, the agent personally gathered intelligence on the deployment of Defense Forces and the coordinates of S-300 surface-to-air missile systems in the region.
After collecting the intelligence, he traveled to Hungary to report to his handler. To cross the border, the traitor used a certificate stating he was a caregiver for his sick father, who required treatment in foreign institutions.
According to the case materials, during the meeting, the Hungarian intelligence officer handed the agent cash, which was designated for completing the assigned tasks. This included the agent seeking a network of informants. The SSU established that the agent attempted to recruit at least two individuals.
In forming the agent network, the foreign intelligence service hoped to expand the range of information collection, including obtaining data from front-line and near-front-line regions.
In March this year, the SSU’s counterintelligence documented the agent’s second meeting with his handler. This time, he was provided with a phone equipped with special software for covert communication.
Among the new tasks for the traitor was identifying official vehicles belonging to representatives of the Security and Defense Forces in Zakarpattia. Additionally, the agent was tasked with finding and passing on information about losses within the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the war, as well as current events from the front line, and had already established a relevant contact within the Defense Forces.
Another detainee is a former service member of the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces, who left her unit in 2025. According to available information, her tasks included informing the Hungarian intelligence service about the presence of aircraft and helicopters in Zakarpattia, as well as the defense systems of the military unit where she had served.
The SSU’s counterintelligence documented every step of the Hungarian agents and detained the suspects at their residences. During searches, phones and other evidence of subversive activities were seized.
The SSU investigators have informed the suspects of their charges under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law). The perpetrators are in custody, and they face life imprisonment with property confiscation.
Comprehensive measures are currently underway to bring all participants in the Hungarian intelligence agent network to justice.
The special operation was conducted under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
