Counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine prevented new terrorist attacks in Dnipropetrovsk region. As a result of preemptive actions, a Russian agent couple was detained in one of the industrial cities. On the Russia's orders, they were manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The perpetrators turned out to be a 27-year-old deserter from Pokrovsk district, Donetsk region, and his 34-year-old partner, both recruited by Russian forces.
After voluntarily leaving his military unit, the deserter hid in their apartment in Dnipropetrovsk region. Later, they began looking for “easy earnings” in Telegram channels, where they came under the attention of the Russian forces.
After recruitment, the suspects received instructions from their handler to make a bomb capable of destroying a vehicle.
According to case materials, after making the explosive, the perpetrators were supposed to disguise it as a fire extinguisher, equip it with nuts to increase its destructive effect, and then hide it at coordinates provided by the handler. The Russian special services planned to detonate it using a call to a mobile phone installed in the device.
SSU officers uncovered the Russian intentions in advance and detained both agents while they were finishing assembling the IED in their apartment.
During searches, bomb components and smartphones containing evidence of contacts with the Russian forces were seized.
The Security Service investigators have notified the detainees of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (preparation for a terrorist act committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy).
The perpetrators are in custody. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
