Two detained in Russia's Krasnodar region over alleged terror plot

Russian authorities have detained two suspects, including a minor, on charges of preparing a terrorist attack in the Krasnodar region, the Investigative Committee told Russian media.

The case was opened on the basis of materials provided by the regional branch of the Federal Security Service. The two defendants — an 18-year-old local resident and his 17-year-old acquaintance — are accused of preparing a terrorist act as part of a group acting in prior conspiracy.

Investigators allege that in March, the 18-year-old suspect established contact through a messaging app with a representative of an organisation designated as a terrorist in Russia. In exchange for a payment ranging from $300 to $500, he was reportedly instructed to assemble an improvised explosive device and transfer it through a hidden cache for use in a planned attack in the city of Tuapse.

After agreeing to the proposal, the suspect allegedly recruited his underage acquaintance. According to the investigation, the pair carried out photo and video reconnaissance of a potential target and sent the materials to their handler, for which they received an advance payment of $30 in cryptocurrency.

Authorities further claim that one of the suspects proceeded to assemble components for the explosive device. However, the plan was not completed, as officers from the Federal Security Service intervened and stopped their activities.

The Investigative Committee stated that both individuals have been taken into custody and have admitted their guilt.

By Tamilla Hasanova