This month, 1,000 people chose to support the Kyiv Independent. Can we count on you, too?
Become a member
Skip to content
Edit post

Bihus.Info investigative outlet says SBU behind illegal surveillance of its team

by Dinara Khalilova and The Kyiv Independent news desk February 6, 2024 12:11 AM 3 min read
Three men allegedly linked to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) bring surveillance equipment to a suburban complex near Kyiv where staff members of Ukrainian investigative media outlet Bihus.info were secretly filmed during their New Year private party, according to the outlet. (Bihus.info)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Ukrainian investigative media outlet Bihus.Info reported on Feb. 5 that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was behind illegal surveillance of the outlet's team, after which a video appeared online showing some staff members allegedly using drugs during a private party.

Speaking with Bihus.Info, the recently dismissed head of an allegedly involved SBU department didn't deny his involvement in the operation. The SBU issued an official comment later the same day, saying it is continuing its investigation into the surveillance.

The video, published by a little-known website that appears to pose as a news outlet on Jan. 16, included footage from a well-placed, hidden camera inside a building where the party took place, as well as video recordings taken from the street and tapped phone calls, where the staff members discuss purchasing drugs.

After analyzing the video, Bihus.Info said that its employees had been under surveillance for months, appealed to law enforcement, and announced they would do their own investigation on who was spying on its team. Bihus.Info is known for its investigations into government and law enforcement officials.

The SBU opened a criminal case into illegal surveillance, and the National Police launched proceedings over the violation of privacy of a Bihus.Info journalist.

According to the Feb. 5 report, Bihus.Info obtained footage from security cameras at a suburban hotel complex where the team stayed for the party and identified those who had previously installed hidden cameras in their rooms.

The six-day-long operation was conducted by the SBU's Department for Protection of National Statehood, the outlet wrote.

President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the head of this department, Roman Semenchenko, on Jan. 31. Soon after, the SBU said that this department would be "strengthened and optimized," including in order "to guarantee the unimpeded work and safety of journalists."

Recent campaigns against journalists raise concerns about press freedom in Ukraine
Investigative journalists in Ukraine came under two attacks in just the past week, one involving a threatening home visit and another using covert surveillance. The two incidents are the latest in a series of discrediting campaigns against independent Ukrainian media, often supported by anonymous p…

Alleged SBU officers went to the suburban complex several times before the Bihus.Info's party under the guise of preparing a corporate event for themselves and inspected the rooms, according to the outlet's investigation.

Then, a group of people led by one of the identified SBU officers reportedly secretly installed surveillance cameras in the sauna and at least eight rooms.

After the Bihus.Info team left the hotel, two more groups of people linked to the SBU allegedly came to the hotel to collect the equipment.

In a comment to Bihus.Info, the SBU didn't reply whether they had court orders to install hidden equipment in bedrooms and how the obtained footage ended up on the dubious website.

Responding to the Bihus.Info investigation, the SBU said that some of the outlet's team members had previously bought drugs, and its camerawoman had been involved in a criminal case over such purchase.

"We believe that independent media are an integral part of a modern democratic society, and no actions of individuals can cast a shadow on any of the editorial offices and media in general," the SBU added.

"All employees of the SBU must act exclusively to ensure the protection of the national interests of the state and society and effectively oppose the enemy."

Bihus.Info said that the case against the camera operator was opened by the National Police, not the SBU, and she wasn't charged or interrogated.

"Some of the previously published telephone conversations, according to the recorded persons, took place more than a year ago. Released records indicate that more than one person was wiretapped," the outlet wrote.

The news about the surveillance of Bihus.Info came a day after Yurii Nikolov, a prominent journalist known for investigating defense procurement corruption scandals, said he had received a threatening visit to his home by unknown men.

Both cases sparked outrage among Ukraine's journalistic community, which condemned it as pressure against free media. Zelensky said on Jan. 17 that "any pressure on journalists is unacceptable."

Zelensky said he had held a meeting with law enforcement officials with the participation of SBU Chief Vasyl Maliuk.

Let’s see how far we can go?
We’ve been amazed by your support. We’ve reached our initial goal of finding 1,000 new paying members. We still have till the end of our birthday campaign — with more support, we can do even more good journalism. Over 13,000 people are standing behind us. Can we count on you, too?
Show us support this birthday month
Become a member
visa masterCard americanExpress

News Feed

MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.