Russia’s FSB reports preventing attack on communications regulator officials

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has reported that it prevented a planned terrorist attack targeting senior officials of the country’s communications regulator, according to the agency’s Public Relations Centre.

The FSB said the plot involved the attempted bombing of an official vehicle belonging to leaders of Roskomnadzor.

According to the statement, the attack was allegedly organised by Ukrainian intelligence services and involved individuals recruited online, including through the messaging platform Telegram. The suspects were said to be supporters of far-right ideology.

The agency reported that seven individuals were detained in Moscow, Ufa, Novosibirsk, and Yaroslavl. The alleged leader of the group, a Moscow resident born in 2004, was killed after reportedly resisting arrest with firearms.

During searches, authorities claimed to have seized improvised explosive devices weighing around 1 kg, a grenade, a Makarov pistol fitted with a suppressor, gas weapons, communication equipment, and materials with neo-Nazi symbolism, as well as instructions linked to a banned organisation.

Criminal cases have been opened for illegal possession of weapons and explosives, while investigators are also considering charges related to the preparation of a terrorist act.

The FSB added that foreign-linked actors are attempting to disrupt Roskomnadzor operations, including efforts related to information security and restrictions on digital platforms widely used, according to the agency, for criminal activity.