FSB arrests suspected Kiev collaborator in Stavropol bomb plot
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Russian FSB detains a man in Stavropol linked to Ukrainian intelligence for plotting a railway bridge bombing using an improvised explosive device.
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In this photo released by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) near the scene at a school after a shooting in Kazan, Russia, Tuesday, May 11, 2021 (The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation via AP)
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a man in the Stavropol Territory for plotting a railway bridge bombing in coordination with Ukrainian intelligence. The suspect, a Russian citizen born in 1980 and resident of Georgiyevsk, is accused of preparing a terrorist act using an improvised explosive device.
According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the FSB opened a criminal case against the suspect under Article 30, Part 1, and Article 205, Part 2(a) of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to the preparation of a terrorist act. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The FSB said the man had proactively contacted a representative of a Ukrainian group operating under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence services. The communication reportedly occurred via the Telegram messaging platform.
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Suspect confesses to planned railway bridge bombing
In a recorded confession cited by the FSB, the suspect admitted to offering assistance in intelligence gathering via an internet forum roughly six months ago. Following instructions, he conducted photo and video surveillance of a railway bridge in Georgiyevsk with the intent to destroy the structure.
"About six months ago, I offered my help in intelligence gathering on an internet forum. At their instructions [Ukrainian special services], I bought components for an improvised explosive device and planned to carry out a terrorist attack on the railway bridge in the city of Georgiyevsk," he said.
Authorities reported that the suspect had acquired components required to assemble an improvised explosive device and stored them in a concealed location, with these materials reportedly recovered by investigators.
Charges include terrorism, possible treason
The FSB indicated that in addition to terrorism-related charges, the suspect may also face prosecution for treason, given the nature of his collaboration with foreign intelligence.
He was detained while conducting reconnaissance near the planned attack site and was immediately arrested by security forces, who had been tracking his movements.
The operation marks the latest in a series of actions by the Russian FSB to neutralize alleged sabotage efforts linked to Ukrainian operatives amid the ongoing conflict.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the threat posed by cross-border intelligence activity targeting critical infrastructure such as railway networks.
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The arrest in Georgiyevsk is part of a series of attempts by Ukrainian-linked cells to facilitate such bombings within Russian territory.
In August, Russia's FSB revealed that Kiev operatives coerced a woman into massive debt before attempting to turn her into an unknowing suicide bomber, a tactic Ukrainian forces used previously during a failed attack on the Crimean Bridge.
Also in August, the FSB arrested a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen who attempted to carry out a car bomb attack in Moscow, targeting a high-ranking Russian military officer.
