Ukrainian security service ‘needs cleanout’ after arrest of accused spy

Photograph issued by the security service of evidence found in the home of an intelligence agent accused of spying for Russia. Photograph: SBU

The arrest of a high-ranking Ukrainian intelligence agent accused of spying for Russia has highlighted the urgent need for a cleanout of the country’s key security service, a former deputy head of the agency has said.

The Ukrainian security service (SBU) reported on Thursday that they arrested a lieutenant colonel in their ranks on suspicion of “high treason” and published a photograph of bundles of cash found in his home.