International network plotting contract killings and sabotage in EU exposed by law enforcement

Law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and several other countries have carried out an international operation that prevented the preparation of grave and especially grave crimes in EU countries on Russia's orders.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine

Details: The Prosecutor General's Office reported that from August 2024, representatives of Russian secret services, operating from other countries and using intermediaries, organised activities to prepare violent crimes in European Union countries.

One of the key areas was the preparation of contract killings in Lithuania. Members of the group carried out extensive covert surveillance of two people: a public figure from Russia who had been granted political asylum in Lithuania after leaving Russia and a Lithuanian citizen known for supporting Ukraine. The criminal group gathered detailed information about their places of residence, travel routes, daily routines and other data needed to prepare an attack.

Citizens of various countries, particularly Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Latvia, Moldova and Greece, were recruited to carry out these tasks. Some conducted physical surveillance, others sought out individuals to execute the attacks, while others were responsible for funding, logistics and communication among members.

The perpetrators were recruited through intermediaries, including individuals with criminal backgrounds. The funding was channelled through networks controlled by Russian secret service representatives, using forged documents and accounts opened under false identities to conceal the origin of the money.

An attempt to carry out a contract killing in Lithuania was foiled. Some of the perpetrators were detained, while others withdrew from the plot. One member was detained while directly preparing an attack.

The investigators subsequently analysed data from mobile devices and established that the network's activities extended to several other countries and included preparations for sabotage and provocations.

Data was being gathered in one EU country about military facilities and equipment prepared for transfer to Ukraine. In another country, co-conspirators were exploring plans for provocations and arson attacks on infrastructure facilities. Sabotage activity was also recorded on the premises of a military plant.

The investigators also established that members of the group were considering violent actions against military personnel and public figures in Ukraine.

As part of the international operation, law enforcement officers from several countries have carried out arrests and searches in the EU. Some of those detained have already been transferred to Lithuania.

Lithuanian law enforcement officers have so far served notices of suspicion on 13 individuals: nine of them have been detained and European arrest warrants have been issued for four others. Three people detained abroad have already been transferred to Lithuania for further prosecution, while the relevant procedures are ongoing for two others.

Dozens of people were involved in carrying out tasks for the criminal network and its activities covered at least several European countries.

International cooperation in this criminal proceeding is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are identifying everyone involved, their links and other episodes of criminal activity.

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