The SSU continues to counter the threats of subversive activities against Ukraine. In a special operation, the SSU exposed an enemy agent on preparation of a terrorist attack in Kyiv. The agent is a local resident recruited by representatives of a Belarusian state entity.

The law enforcement detained the perpetrator in an attempt to set a car on fire near the building of an NGO in the capital.

The investigation established that the individual was also involved in intimidation of media representatives and foreign citizens. To do this, he inscribed threats and provocative messages near their homes in Kyiv and sent false bomb alerts.

Additionally, the SSU identified that the suspect was involved in organizing unauthorized ‘rallies’ near foreign diplomatic missions. Participants of these events used destructive campaigning.

The agent’s purpose was to destabilize the domestic political situation in Ukraine and discredit Ukraine in the eyes of the EU states and citizens of Belarus.

His other assignment was to collect intelligence on Ukrainian military servicemen in border areas.

According to the investigation, the agent was recruited through one of the anonymous groups on Telegram. He used banned Russian e-mail services to communicate with handlers and a bank card to receive payments for fulfilled tasks.

To commit the terrorist attack, the agent purchased a vehicle, flammable materials and pyrotechnics.

The perpetrator has been detained and notified of suspicion of committing a crime. The court is to decide on the measure of restraint.

The SSU initiated criminal proceedings under Article 111 (treason) and Article 258 (terrorist act) of the CCU. The pre-trial investigation is underway to qualify and investigate all illegal actions of the suspect.

The SSU Cyber Department carried out the operation together with the National Police under the supervision of Kyiv Sviatoshynskyi District Prosecutor’s Office.