Russia is preying on children in messaging apps: in Mykolaiv, a 15-year-old lyceum student stopped a dangerous scheme

In Mykolaiv, the head of the regional police honored the 9-A grade student of Lyceum No.55, Anastasiia, who reported to law enforcement an attempt at recruitment via a messenger. The girl and her parents were thanked by the head of the regional police, Serhii Makhno.

The 15-year-old lyceum student independently contacted the emergency line 102. She told the operator that in one of the messaging apps she had received a message offering to “earn money” by setting cars on fire.

The day before, in the class where Anastasiia studies, juvenile prevention officers held an educational session on countering the recruitment of young people by Russian security services via social networks and messaging apps. Teenagers were explained how to recognize dangerous offers, not to succumb to manipulation, and where to turn if they receive such messages.

After the girl received the offer of quick earnings for arson of cars, she did not reply to the unknown senders and did not enter into correspondence with them. Instead, she took a screenshot of the message and passed the information to the police.

Thanks to the student’s vigilance, law enforcement obtained important data about possible attempts to involve young people in illegal activities. For her active civic stance, Anastasiia was presented with a letter of appreciation and a tablet.

The head of Mykolaiv region police, Serhii Makhno, thanked the girl’s parents for raising their daughter, and the lyceum student herself — for her conscious act, concern, and assistance to law enforcement.

“Today it is extremely important that young people are able to recognize threats and not fall for the enemy’s provocations. Anastasiia’s act is an example of true awareness, responsibility, and concern for the security of our state. Thanks to young people like her, we can more effectively counter criminal acts and the enemy’s informational influence”, — said the head of Mykolaiv region police, Serhii Makhno.

Law enforcement urges citizens to be vigilant. If you receive suspicious messages or offers related to arsons, sabotage, or other illegal activities, you should immediately report them to the police at 102.

Previously we reported:

• Teenagers set three Teslas on fire in Kyiv on the orders of Russian special services
• A young Mykolaiv resident burned a car on order from the Russian Federation; he was short-changed on the payment and sent to prison
• A Mykolaiv resident set fire to vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the “Russian world” — received six years in prison
• Child saboteurs? How the Russians used teenagers in the Mykolaiv region
• The enemy is recruiting teenagers for sabotage: two young men were detained in the Mykolaiv region