Russia arrests 10 citizens allegedly preparing sabotage, terrorist acts

Russian authorities have detained ten citizens suspected of planning sabotage and terrorist activities across five regions of the country: the Komi Republic, Astrakhan, Vologda, and Volgograd regions, and Krasnodar Krai, according to a statement from the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The FSB claims the individuals were acting on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services. According to the agency, the suspects targeted law enforcement vehicles and interfered with the operation of energy and transportation infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

During interrogations, the FSB said the detainees revealed that they had previously fallen victim to telephone scams, taken out loans, and transferred sums ranging from 300,000 to 1.6 million rubles ($4,000–$21,000) to “safe accounts.”

They were later contacted via the messaging app Telegram by individuals claiming to be Russian law enforcement officers, who allegedly persuaded them to commit illegal acts in exchange for avoiding prosecution.

Authorities also reported that some detainees were coerced through threats of treason charges, which in Russia can carry a life sentence.

A criminal case has been opened against all ten individuals under Russian laws related to attempted terrorist acts, sabotage, and terrorism. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison on combined charges.

By Sabina Mammadli