4 Russian agents behind a bomb attack are exposed in Zhytomyr – SBU

An investigation revealed that the suspects  had been recruited by Russian intellingence via Telegram, when they looking for odd jobs in hope of making quick money.  Soon they were asked to produce an explosive device. Packed with nails and disguised as a thermos flask, it wad denoted remotely with a mobile phone.

To document the attack, the suspects installed hidden cameras near the police office, capturing the detonation in real-time. All five suspects, who operated independently of each other, were apprehended in a coordinated special operation in Zhytomyr. Among them is a 46-year-old Kharkiv resident with a criminal record for robbery, who allegedly purchased bomb components and concealed them in a pre-arranged stash.

The other four suspects are young Zhytomyr residents, aged 15, 16, 18, and 20.  Two  of them retrieved the components from the stash and assembled the device in a rented apartment following detailed instructions. The other two set up the cameras and planted the IED near the police office before detonating it.

Searches of their homes uncovered bomb-making materials, SIM cards, and mobile phones containing evidence of their involvement in the plot.  They have been charged under Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (terrorist act committed by a group with prior conspiracy). The suspects are now in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation.