Ukrainian Security Service Uncovers Hungarian Spy Network

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports that it has exposed a Hungarian military intelligence network that was spying against the Ukrainian state in Zakarpattia region.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to the SBU press service.

‘For the first time in the history of Ukraine, the Security Service exposed an agent network of Hungarian military intelligence that was conducting espionage activities to the detriment of our country.

The task of this cell was to collect information about the military security of the Zakarpattia region, search for vulnerabilities in the region's ground and air defence, as well as study the socio-political views of local residents: in particular, scenarios of their behaviour if Hungarian troops enter the region,’ the statement said.

It is reported that as a result of comprehensive measures in Zakarpattia, the SBU detained two agents from the Hungarian intelligence service network.

According to the investigation, both suspects were supervised by a Hungarian military intelligence officer, who has already been identified by the Security Service of Ukraine.

One of his agents was a 40-year-old former military officer from Berehove district, who was recruited by foreigners and put on ‘standby’ back in 2021.

According to SBU counterintelligence and investigators, the curator ‘activated’ this agent in September 2024.

The traitor was reportedly given a task to study the mood of the local population and obtain the following information

- what would be the reaction of the military and civilian population of Zakarpattia if a peacekeeping contingent, including the Hungarian military, entered the region;

- what military equipment and weapons can be purchased on the black market in Zakarpattia;

- what is the situation with the migration of the Hungarian population in the region;

- what military forces are located in Zakarpattia, whether there are many vehicles and combat vehicles;

- how well the law enforcement agencies are staffed and what is their size, etc.

It is documented that after that, the agent personally reconnoitered the deployment of the Defence Forces and the coordinates of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in the region.

After gathering intelligence, he travelled to Hungary to report to his supervisor. To cross the border, the traitor issued a certificate of a carer for his sick father, who needed treatment in foreign institutions.

According to the case file, during the meeting, the Hungarian intelligence officer handed over cash to the agent, which was to be used for the performance of the assigned tasks. Among other things, the traitor was looking for a network of informants. The SBU established that the resident tried to recruit at least two people.

By forming an agent network, foreign intelligence hoped to expand the range of information gathering, including obtaining data from the frontline and frontline regions, the SBU said.

In March 2025, SBU counterintelligence documented the second meeting between the agent and the curator. This time, he received a phone with special software for covert communication.

Among the new tasks of the traitor was to identify official cars belonging to representatives of the Security and Defence Forces in Zakarpattia region. In addition, the resident had to find and pass on to the Hungarian secret service data on the losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the war and current events from the front line, and he has already found a suitable contact in the Defence Forces.

The other detainee is a former member of the Ukrainian Security and Defence Forces who retired from the unit in 2025. According to the available information, her tasks included informing the Hungarian secret service about the presence of aircraft and helicopters in Zakarpattia region, as well as about the defence systems of the military unit where she served.

The SBU CI documented every step of the Hungarian agents and detained the defendants at their places of residence. During the search, their phones and other material evidence were seized.

SBU investigators served the defendants with a notice of suspicion of high treason committed under martial law.

It is stated that the offenders are in custody. They face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.