The Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on 18/9 that it had dismantled a network of alleged Ukrainian spies in St. Petersburg. Three Russian nationals, aged 19 to 32, were detained and accused of plotting to plant a bomb in the vehicle of a defense industry executive.
According to the FSB, two suspects were tasked with surveilling the target and the executive's home. They were then to deliver an explosive device to a third suspect via a dead drop at a cemetery.
Upon receiving the device, the third suspect, disguised as an elderly woman, was to plant the explosives in the target's vehicle. Security forces apprehended this suspect just before the alleged act.
The FSB stated that during interrogation, all three suspects confessed to the plot and admitted to communicating with a handler in Ukraine via a messaging app.
One suspect reportedly joined the network in July. The other two claimed to have begun in June, tasked with acquiring power banks, phones, and bicycles, as well as installing surveillance cameras. The suspects said the bomb could be detonated remotely by their contact in Ukraine.
The FSB accused the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR) of involvement. Ukrainian officials have not yet commented.
The suspects face charges of preparing a terrorist attack and illegal possession of explosives. Investigators are also considering additional charges of participation in a terrorist organization and treason, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the Russian Criminal Code.
Thanh Danh (Theo TASS, RT)
