The SSU Counterintelligence has thwarted another attempt by the ruscists to commit a new terrorist act in Kharkiv. As a result of pre-emptive actions, an FSB agent was detained in the frontline city who was preparing an improvised explosive device and intended to detonate it.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator is a local unemployed man who was previously convicted for his participation in attempts to seize the Kharkiv Regional State Administration in 2014.

The court sentenced him to 5 years of imprisonment with a 3-year probation period. During the probation term an FSB officer contacted the perpetrator, recruited him, and assigned him as a ‘sleeper agent’.

It has been established, in the fall of this year, the occupiers ‘activated’ their agent via messenger and instructed him to manufacture an IED.

Soon after, the suspect was supposed to plant the IED at coordinates he was expecting from his russian handler.

The searches of the detainee's home uncovered unfinished explosives and their components, as well as a smartphone containing evidence of collaboration with the occupiers.

SSU investigators have notified the traitor of suspicion under Article 14.1, 258.2 of the CCU (preparation for a terrorist act by a group of persons by prior conspiracy).

The suspects is in custody without the right to bail facing 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The question of further criminal qualification of his actions is being resolved.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kharkiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.