Law enforcement exposes international network that plotted contract killings and sabotage in EU

Law enforcement agencies from Ukraine and several other countries have conducted an international operation that has prevented serious crimes from being carried out in EU countries on Russia's orders.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine

Details: The Prosecutor General's Office reported that since August 2024, representatives of the Russian secret services, operating from other countries and using intermediaries, had been organising activities to facilitate plots to commit violent crimes in EU countries.

One of the key areas was planning contract killings in Lithuania. Members of the group carried out extensive covert surveillance of two people: a public figure from Russia who had left the country and been granted political asylum in Lithuania, 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 for an attack.

Nationals of various countries, including 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 attacks, while others were responsible for funding, logistics and communication between members.

The perpetrators, some of whom had criminal backgrounds, were recruited through intermediaries. 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.

One assassination attempt in Lithuania was foiled. Some of the perpetrators were detained, while others withdrew from the plot. One member was detained in the act of preparing to carry out 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.

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

The investigators also established that members of the group were considering organising 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 handed over 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 the other four. Three people detained abroad have already been handed over to Lithuania for further prosecution, and the relevant procedures are ongoing with respect to two others.

Dozens of people were involved in carrying out tasks for the criminal network, and it was active in several European countries.

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

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