Saboteur group with ties to Russian intelligence uncovered in Odesa

Source: Security Service of Ukraine/Telegram

In a major security sweep, a group of saboteurs with alleged links to to Russian military intelligence has been exposed  in Odesa on Monday. The group’s leader and his assistant were arrested in a special operation  by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR).

The raid of their homes found over 70 firearms, ammunition, body armor, helmets, and other tactical gear.

Investigators discovered that the group was part of a plot aiming to seize local  government buildings in Odesa at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The plans were put on hold after Russian forces bogged down on the frontlines, but the summer of 2024 saw the group “reactivated” for new missions.

The group was led by a 49-year-old resident of temporarily occupied Crimea who moved to Odesa after the peninsula’s annexation.  He was behind covert militant units organized under the guise of civic organizations. Their plan included sabotage acts when Russian troops could draw near to the city. Composed of over 20 members, the group was operating under strict military-style hierarchy.

The SBU foiled the plans before they take shape while all the suspects are now facing sabotage charges  with the possibility of up to 10 years in prison and confiscation of property.