Ukraine dismantles Russian secret service group planning arson attacks in Europe

Follow the latest news on the war in Ukraine live

Follow the latest news on the war in Ukraine live

Jul 25. () –

The Counterintelligence Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have neutralized a group of Russian secret service agents who were planning a series of arson attacks in Ukrainian territory in areas with a large influx of civilians in several European countries.

The suspects have been charged with “high treason committed under martial law” and “falsifying documents.” The authorities have launched an investigation and the suspects face life imprisonment.

“The main targets of the enemy were shopping centres, petrol stations, pharmacies and markets in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic countries,” reads a statement from the SBU, which details that counterintelligence operations have focused on the west of the country, especially in Ivano-Frankivsk.

The Ukrainian authorities’ efforts have culminated in the arrest of the leader of a “criminal group” – made up of nearly twenty people – and his accomplice, whose activities were coordinated remotely by the Russian intelligence service.

“The suspects recruited people for money to carry out arson attacks against civilian targets. To find the possible perpetrators, they used personal contacts in criminal circles,” the Ukrainian authorities added.

The Russian organization provided false documentation – passports, driving licenses, academic certificates and medical records, among others – to recruited civilians who could enter European territory “legally” and thus be able to carry out the attacks.