2 arsonists recruited by Russian intelligence exposed in Kyiv
Source: National Police of Ukraine
The Ukrainian police said on Monday they have nabbed a 41-year-old auto mechanic and a 15-year-old teenager who allegedly carried out arson attacks in Kyiv. Offered easy money by Russian intelligence officers, the two suspect acted independently getting instructions via Telegram.
In December 2024, a 41-year-old Kyiv resident was promised $10,000 to set fire to the car of a serviceman from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) or another security agency.
The man located a Jeep Cherokee bearing Ukrainian army insignia on Demiivska Street in Ukraine’s capital. He photographed the vehicle and sent the images to his contact. Once he received approval, he doused the car in gasoline and set it ablaze.
Meanwhile, the 15-year-old teenager was tasked with setting fire to a branch of “Ukrposhta” post office in Kyiv’s Sviatoshynskyi district. He used flammable liquid to burn the door and the doormat at the branch’s entrance.
Both suspects have been detained and formally charged. A court has ruled to hold them in custody while the investigation continues.
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