The SSU Counterintelligence and the National Police have prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Ukraine and the European Union.

A special operation in different regions of Ukraine resulted in dismantling an fsb agent group that was preparing arson attacks in crowded places.

The enemy's main targets were malls, gas stations, pharmacies, and markets in Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states.

In the course of complex measures in Prykarpattia region, the SSU detained an organizer of criminal group and his accomplice. The criminal activities were remotely coordinated by russian intelligence service.

The criminal group consisted of 19 people, residing in Ivano-Frankivsk, Dnipro, Poltava regions and Zaporizhzhia.

According to the investigation, the suspects recruited for money persons to commit arson attacks on civilian targets. To find potential perpetrators, they used personal contacts in criminal circles.

To send the recruited arsonists abroad, the offenders prepared forged documents for them, in particular passports, driver's licenses, education diplomas and health records.

In this way, the russian agents planned to smuggle their accomplices outside Ukraine and “legalize” them in the EU.

After committing the attacks, the perpetrators had to record the arson for further “reporting” to the fsb.

The aggressor planned to use the media files to prepare special information operations aimed at undermining the social and political situation in the European Union.

During 37 searches of the suspects' homes, cars and garages, the SSU seized:

• mobile phones, flash drives, draft records and forged documents used in subversive activities;
• an AK assault rifle, pistols, including a Glock 19 with rounds and silencers;
• bank cards and large amounts of cash used to recruit potential arsonists.

The SSU has served the organizer of the fsb agent group and his accomplice notices of suspicion under the following articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law);
• 358.3 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, sale or use of forged documents, seals, stamps).

The investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice is ongoing. The offenders face life imprisonment.

The special operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office.