The SSU continues to take active steps to combat terrorism. In a special operation in Kyiv, the SSU dismantled a cell of the international terrorist organization Islamic State. Weapons and ammunition were seized from the suspects.

The group was headed by one of the IS leaders, whom the SSU detained and extradited to Georgia in May 2020.

According to preliminary findings, the cell included 12 individuals. Five of them are Russian citizens wanted for crimes in several countries.

Members of the group are also involved in financing terrorist activity of Islamic State militants in the Middle East.

The SSU documented the facts of their correspondence with individuals who are currently in Syria and are participating in hostilities.

To disguise their illegal stay in Kyiv, the members of the cell lived in different districts of the city.

During 11 searches of the suspects’ places of stay, the law enforcement found:

• weapons and ammunition;
• forged documents;
• communication devices.

The seized items were sent for forensic examination.

The SSU investigators opened criminal proceedings under Article 258-3.1 (creation of a terrorist group or terrorist organization) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation is underway to bring to justice all those involved in this illegal activity.

The SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region carried out the operation under the supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.