On May 8, the Security Service’s Counterintelligence Department detained a Russian agent in Odesa who was planning to assassinate a high-ranking officer of the Ukrainian Navy. The perpetrator was to eliminate the officer in order to create a narrative favorable to the Kremlin ahead of the “May 9 anniversary.”
This was reported by the press service of the SSU. The timely foiling of the attack was facilitated by a concerned citizen who contacted the SSU’s “hotline” with information about a suspicious individual.
To carry out the crime, the hitman was setting up an ambush near the Ukrainian military officer’s residence with the aim of shooting him with an AK-74 assault rifle. The attack was to take place as the officer was driving his own car out of the driveway.
Counterintelligence officers and special forces from the SSU’s “Alpha” Center detained the suspect on the eve of the planned assassination attempt.
According to the case file, the perpetrator was a repeat offender from Donetsk Oblast who had been recruited by the enemy. The man had previously served a prison sentence for committing intentional murder.
Russian intelligence agencies took notice of the suspect when he was looking for “easy money” on specialized Telegram channels. After being recruited, the perpetrator arrived in Odesa to prepare directly for the terrorist attack.
The agent rented an apartment in the city, conducted reconnaissance of the area around the officer’s home, and tracked his routes. He had previously identified the most convenient firing positions and escape routes.
A handler from Russia provided the perpetrator with the coordinates of hidden caches containing weapons. From the caches, the perpetrator retrieved an AK-74 assault rifle and two loaded magazines.
While moving through the city streets, the hitman concealed the firearm in a specially prepared bag with a false bottom.
During searches, the assault rifle, ammunition, and a mobile phone were seized from the detainee. Law enforcement officers discovered correspondence on the device in which he coordinated the details of the assassination attempt with a representative of the Russian special services.
Security Service investigators informed the detainee that he is suspected of treason and an attempted terrorist act. The case materials are being prepared for submission to the court.
The suspect is currently in custody without the right to bail. He faces life imprisonment with full confiscation of property.
