The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented a terrorist attack in the centre of Zaporizhzhia. As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the SSU detained an agent of russian military intelligence who tried to blow up a local post office.

To do that, the perpetrator manufactured a remote-controlled improvised explosive device at home. The manuals for making the explosive were provided by the GRU.

The traitor hid the finished device in fruit boxes to send it to a cargo department of a postal operator.

For secrecy, he planned to deliver the ‘parcel’ not personally, but through a private carrier.

After receiving a notification that the ‘order’ has been delivered to the post office, he was to detonate the explosive device by a phone call.

The occupiers hoped that the bombing of the office would lead to numerous civilian casualties and spread panic in the city.

However, the SSU was proactive and identified the suspect when he was preparing the attack. His criminal actions were documented, the parcel with explosives was intercepted and the individual – detained.

The Service established that the asset’s other task was to identify locations with mass concentrations of Ukrainian military personnel and equipment.

He was supposed to pass the data to the aggressor to prepare sabotage against Ukraine’s Defence Forces or for air strikes on these locations.

According to the investigation, the enemy accomplice is a local resident. In early 2023, he was recruited remotely by an officer of the 316^th intelligence centre of the main directorate of the general staff of the russian armed forces (the GRU). This officer has been identified by the SSU.

To engage the man in cooperation, the russian service used his acquaintance, a resident of the temporarily occupied part of the oblast.

Through the ‘liaison’, the asset received an assignment to commit a terrorist attack, as well as manuals and money to prepare the explosives.

Communication was carried out through a messenger app.

In case the agent blew up the target facility and fulfilled other tasks, the occupiers promised him money.

During the searches of the suspect’s flat and car, the SSU seized components for making an IED, as well as computer equipment and mobile phones with evidence of the crime.

SSU investigators have served the detainee a notice of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law, upon prior conspiracy);
• 14.1, 258.2 (preparation to commit a terrorist act).

The suspect is in custody, facing life imprisonment.

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