Five Russian agents who detonated an explosive device near the district police department on November 20 have been detained in Zhitomir. As a result, one law enforcement officer who was at the scene was injured.
Russian agents who committed a terrorist attack in Zhitomir have been detained
According to law enforcement, the perpetrators acted on orders from Russian special services, who recruited them through Telegram channels, where they promised quick money.
The group included a 46-year-old Kharkiv resident with a criminal past. On the eve of the terrorist attack, he arrived in Zhitomir, where he purchased several mobile phones and starter packages from telecom operators. On the instructions of his handlers, he bought components for explosives and hid them in pre-arranged places.
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Four local residents of Zhitomir, aged 15, 16, 18 and 20, helped him. Two of them took the package, and the others purchased the necessary materials for making explosives.
Photo: National Police
In a rented apartment, they assembled a test explosive mechanism, tested it and filmed a video for the curators.
The perpetrators made a homemade explosive device, which they detonated remotely via a mobile phone.
It is noted that to enhance the blast wave, the criminals stuffed the device with nails, disguising it as an ordinary thermos. Before the explosion, they installed video cameras at the scene to transmit the recording to the curators in Russia.
The SBU and National Police officers conducted a special operation on the trail and detained all five participants. During the searches, the following evidence was seized:
- explosive components;
- mobile phones;
- SIM cards.
The detainees have been charged under the article Terrorist act committed by a group of persons. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
