The Security Service of Ukraine has successfully disrupted another terrorist plot in Kharkiv. In a preemptive operation, they detained an FSB agent who was preparing an explosive device for an attack.
According to the investigation, the suspect is a local unemployed individual who had previously been convicted for his involvement in attempts to seize the regional administration in 2014.
At that time, he received a 5-year prison sentence with a 3-year probation period. During this probation, he was approached by an FSB officer, who recruited him and placed him in a «waiting mode».
Investigations revealed that this autumn, the occupiers activated their agent via a messenger and instructed him to create an improvised explosive device.
Shortly thereafter, he was expected to plant the device at coordinates provided by his Russian handler.
During searches of his residence, incomplete explosives and components were seized, along with a smartphone containing evidence of collaboration with the occupiers.
Currently, investigators have informed the suspect of his charges under part 1 of article 14 and part 2 of article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (preparation for a terrorist act by a group of individuals in conspiracy).
The suspect remains in custody without the possibility of bail. He faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Further qualifications of the suspect's criminal actions are being considered. Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers in the Kharkiv region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.