FSB prevents terrorist attack targeting Russian defence official near Moscow

The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) has announced the prevention of a planned terrorist attack in the Moscow region aimed at a high-ranking official of the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Authorities detained a suspect, a dual Russian and Ukrainian citizen born in 1989, who allegedly intended to park a vehicle containing approximately 60 kilograms of explosives at a location where the official was expected to pass. The arrest occurred on the M-4 highway en route to the target site, Caliber.Az reports via TASS. 

According to the FSB, the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence operatives and acted under the alias "Voron."

The explosive device was reportedly constructed following instructions received via the messaging app Telegram and concealed inside the car.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to collaborating with foreign intelligence services. The FSB pess service claimed that he "was promised the opportunity to avoid mobilisation into the Ukrainian armed forces in exchange for carrying out the attack."

The FSB’s investigative department in the Rostov Region has opened multiple criminal cases against the individual, including charges of treason and various offenses related to the illegal manufacturing, possession, and transportation of explosives, under Russia’s Criminal Code.

The suspect is currently in custody and may face a sentence of up to life imprisonment if convicted.

By Sabina Mammadli