The SSU and the National Police have apprehended another three enemy accomplices in Chernivtsi. They were preparing a series of arson attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian railways) facilities on orders of the russian intelligence.

According to the investigation, two of the detainees are brothers. The third is their mutual acquaintance.

The agents were recruited by the russian service on Telegram channels, where they were looking for easy money.

At first, only the brothers were involved in the sabotage. In early September, they were contacted by a russian handler and were given a test task: to make seven provocative graffiti on Chernivtsi streets for a small reward.

After that, the russian handler offered a ‘more serious’ job - to burn relay cabinets, which was supposed to disrupt railway traffic in the region.

The perpetrators committed the first arson attack and for the second one they engaged their unemployed friend from Chernivtsi.

The three of them planned to commit further arsons.

However, the SSU and the National Police prevented this and detained the three suspects in hot pursuit.

During searches of their homes, the investigators seized mobile phones with evidence of sabotage against Ukraine.

The SSU has notified them of suspicion under Articles 28.2 and 113.2 of the CCU (sabotage, committed by a group, under martial law).

The suspects are in custody and face life imprisonment.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Chernivtsi Office jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Chernivtsi Region Prosecutor’s Office.