The SSU Counterintelligence prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Kharkiv. As a result of a special operation in the frontline city, an FSB agent was detained: on russia’s orders he was preparing explosions near state institutions in the region.

The individual manufactured improvised explosive devices, which he then hid in caches for the executors of the planned terrorist attacks.

The investigation established that the bombs were prepared by an agent of russia’s federal security service, a 48-year-old laboratory assistant at one of Kharkiv’s universities. He was recruited by the enemy special service via Telegram.

Following his handler’s instructions, the asset manufactured IEDs for remote detonation, reinforcing them with nuts, screws and nails.

For secrecy, he stored the explosives in the apartment of his neighbours, who had left the city and left him the keys so that he could look after their home.

The individual placed two ready-made IEDs equipped with remote activation phones in the hiding places, the coordinates of which were given by his handler.

To avoid arousing suspicion, he disguised the bombs as household items, including as sports balls.

The SSU uncovered the agent at an early stage, documented his crimes and caught him red-handed while he was setting up a hiding place for the third explosive device near an apartment building.

Components for new IEDs and a telephone used to contact the russian special service were seized from the suspect during searches.

SSU investigators notified the detainee of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 14.1, 258.2 (preparation for a terrorist act, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy);
• 263.1 (illegal handling of explosive substances).

The suspect is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

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