The counterintelligence unit of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police prevented a new terrorist attack in Odessa. Thanks to proactive law enforcement actions, a Russian agent was detained in the port city while attempting to bomb the regional Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC).
On July 17, under orders from the Russian forces, the woman was supposed to bring a backpack containing a homemade explosive device (IED) into the administrative building during rush hour at noon, when the maximum number of people were present.
SSU officers uncovered the hostile plan in advance and arrested the terrorist while she was heading to the military commissariat with the armed IED.
The investigation revealed that the suspect is a 53-year-old resident of Volyn who was remotely recruited by Russian special services.
Following their instructions, the agent arrived in Odessa, first conducted reconnaissance near the regional TRC, and then received coordinates from her handler for a stash with the ready-made IED.
Under cover, the woman was to visit the military commissariat to inquire about her supposedly missing nephew.
During the arrest, a controlled explosion of the IED in the suspect’s backpack was safely carried out. Explosive technicians from the National Police worked at the scene.
SSU investigators are preparing charges against the agent under Part 3 of Article 15 and Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (completed attempt of a terrorist act).
The investigation is ongoing to establish all circumstances of the crime. The perpetrator faces up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation.
