The SSU Counterintelligence has detained two enemy agents who attempted to carry out a sabotage operation at one of the energy facilities in Chernivtsi.

The investigation established that the suspects are nationals of a Middle Eastern country who came to the attention of the russian intelligence via social media, where they were seeking ‘easy’ money.

In exchange for a promised reward, the foreigners agreed to set fire to an electrical substation that supplies part of Chernivtsi’s critical and social infrastructure.

To carry out the task, the perpetrators arrived in Chernivtsi in early August this year and conducted reconnaissance around the perimeter of the energy facility to identify locations for covert entry onto its premises.

Subsequently, the agents doused the transformers and the surrounding area with petrol, set them alight and fled.

The SSU promptly identified the arsonists and detained them in Chernivtsi within 24 hours.

SSU investigators have notified the foreign nationals of their status as suspects under 15.2, 28.2, 113.2 of the CCU (completed attempted sabotage, committed by a group, by prior conspiracy, under martial law).

The suspects are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

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