RISE Moldova: FSB likely used Transnistrian oligarch’s firm to ‘wiretap’ Ukrainian subscribers

18.02.2017 07:35
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One of the largest mobile phone and Internet companies in Ukraine “Intertelekom”, which is suspected of cooperation with the special services of Russia (FSB) by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), is controlled by Transnistrian oligarch Viktor Gusan, says an investigation carried out by the Association of Investigative Reporters RISE Moldova in concert with journalists from Kyiv.

The authors of the article, quoted by IPN, after examining decisions of Kyiv courts of law and foundation documents, reached the conclusion that “Intertelekom” has close relations with other mobile phone and Internet operators in regions controlled by Russia, namely Crimea and Transnistria.

“The Tiraspol-based operator IDK, which forms part of the “Sheriff” holding founded by the oligarch and which provides telecommunications services in the region without the consent of Chisinau, is a roaming partner of Gusan’s Ukrainian firm. In Crimea, as the SBU investigators confirmed, “Intertelekom” cooperated with the firm with the same name that was founded by an employee of Transnistria’s IDK,” says the investigation.

Under the decision of the Kyiv court, to which RISE Moldova gained access, the investigators established that the limited liability company “Intertelekom” allowed the Russian operator in Crimea to use a part of its equipment and networks.

“According to the investigated version, telephone connection between Crimea and Russia, and with the unrecognized Moldovan Transnistrian Republic, was ensured through the agency of the equipment of the Ukrainian firm. In reality, as the SBU data show, the company continues to provide telecommunications services on the territory of the peninsula, which is prohibited by Ukraine’s legislation,” said the authors, quoting materials of the Ukrainian law enforcement bodies.

“Moreover, the SBU’s General Investigation Division considers that “Intertelekom” cooperated with the special services of Russia in order to wiretap and monitor subscribers from Ukraine, and not only its subscribers, but also those of other mobile phone carriers.”