The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented another terrorist attack in Poltava. As a result of pre-emptive operations, an enemy agent has been detained. Acting on the enemy’s orders, he was preparing to physically eliminate one of the commanders of a military unit in the region.

As the investigation revealed, the enemy’s task was carried out by a student at a local university recruited by russia. He came to their attention whilst seeking ‘easy’ money on Telegram.

Following instructions from his russian handler, the agent constructed an improvised explosive device and, to enable remote detonation, fitted it with a mobile phone that could be accessed by the russian intelligence.

The asset was then instructed to study the daily routine and travel routes of the military unit commander in order to plant the bomb and detonate it remotely as the officer approached the ‘target location’.

It has also been established that whilst preparing for the assassination attempt, the traitor agreed to carry out another task for the enemy – to set fire to a lorry.

To this end, the student purchased a flammable mixture from a shop and confirmed with his handler the order to destroy the vehicle.

The SSU apprehended the agent ‘red-handed’ whilst he was attempting to set fire to the lorry.

The explosive device prepared for the terrorist attack, drugs, and a smartphone containing evidence of his collaboration with the enemy were seized from the detainee during the search.

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

• 14.1, 258.1 (preparation for the commission of a terrorist act);
• 263-1.1 (unlawful manufacture of explosive substances or explosive devices);
• 263.1 (unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition and explosive substances);
• 15.3, 194.2 (attempted intentional destruction or damage to property by arson);
• 307.3 (unlawful production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transport, dispatch or sale of narcotic drugs).

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

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