Ukrainian law enforcement has located and detained Odesa car bombing perpetrator within 24 hours

STANISLAV POHORILOV - 17 February, 13:18

The suspect. Photo: Security Service of Ukraine

A 33-year-old unemployed man has been arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police for bombing an SUV in Odesa under orders from Russian secret services on 16 February. The terrorist attack left the car's owner injured.

Source: press service for the Security Service of Ukraine; Ukrainska Pravda sources in the SSU

Quote: "The case file states that the perpetrator crafted an improvised explosive device and positioned it beneath an SUV parked by the entrance of an apartment building. The explosion injured the owner, who was close to the vehicle."

Details: Sources in the SSU told Ukrainska Pravda that the detainee is Viktor Velentei, a 33-year-old unemployed man.

Viktor Velentei after being detained

Photo: SSU

After his recruitment, Velentei received detailed instructions from his Russian handler on assembling an improvised explosive device (IED) using readily available materials.

The suspect bought the bomb components from hardware stores and then assembled the explosives, rigging them with a mobile phone for remote detonation.

Subsequently, the perpetrator scouted the site of the planned attack, placed the IED under a car, and positioned a disguised smartphone nearby. Using the device, Russian operatives monitored the area and triggered the explosion remotely.

During a search of the detainee's home, authorities seized components for making IEDs and smartphones that he had used to communicate with his Russian handler.

SSU investigators have served the detainee with a notice of suspicion for violating Article 258.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act).

The perpetrator remains in custody and could face up to 12 years in prison, along with the seizure of property.

Background: On 16 February, Ukrainian law enforcement reported that one person had been injured in a car explosion in Odesa's Kyivskyi district on the morning of 16 February. It is the second such incident in the district in the past 10 days.

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